Daily Devotional for Friday, August 25

The Betrayal of Ish-bosheth

For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night,” 2 Samuel 4:7.

God has a marvelous, ingenious plan laid out for this world as well as within our individual lives. He is not in need of any assistance or counsel from man in carrying out His objectives, although He lovingly allows us to take part as He sees fit. David had great patience as He waited for God’s plan to come to fruition in his life. Yet there were wicked men who had devised an evil plan of their own.

Ish-bosheth was all that was standing between David and the throne of Israel. The brothers, Rechab and Baanah, saw the opportunity to get into David’s good graces, came into the home of Ish-bosheth and murdered him upon his bed. They mistakenly assumed presenting the head of Ish-bosheth would put them in favor with David, the future king of Israel. David made it clear they should have known better when he had ordered the death of the one who had taken Saul’s life. The punishment of Rechab and Bannah was swift and fitting for the crime. David had always trusted in God to bring about His plan for him to become king and was not willing to harm Saul or his family to do so.

There are times we may be tempted to manipulate situations in our lives rather than allowing God to work things out according to His perfect plan. No matter the situation, never turn to evil devices, even when you believe your intentions are good. Beware of the world’s mantra to “follow your heart.” Follow the Lord and trust the course He has set for your life. He will never lead you astray.

REFLECTION: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Darla Goodrum