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LEARNING FROM PAST MISTAKES
Abner was the man who made Saul’s kingship a political reality. He organized and commanded a large army, and did so with a general’s instincts. Against the Philistine Goliath, Abner played a strategic waiting game that paid off when David stepped forward. Years later, outwitted by the renegade David (see 1 Samuel 26), Abner conceded his mistake, but not before crushing David’s ego with a stunning verbal comeback. Here’s the setting:
Under cover of night, David stole past Abner’s sentries, taking Saul’s own spear and canteen, glorious souvenirs that would surely embarrass the entire Israelite high command. At dawn David climbed upon a rock on a hill opposite Saul and began to taunt, in effect saying, “Look what I’ve got!” Abner, who knew very well who was boasting, answered David with aplomb, covering his own astonishment and at the same time minimizing David’s feat.
Abner survived the episode, while lesser leaders would have found themselves demoted or jailed. He could take a hit without falling apart. He could muster an army to fight another day. He was a cat who always landed on his feet.
The next time you’re caught in an embarrassing bind, own up to the situation — face the music head on, without falling apart, and God will see you through.
PRAYER
Lord God, I admit that I. . .
READ
Abner’s story is told in 1 Samuel 14:50 — 2 Samuel 4:12. Abner is also mentioned in 1 Kings 2:5,32 and 1 Chronicles 26:28; 27:16 – 22.
Abner was the man who made Saul’s kingship a political reality. He organized and commanded a large army, and did so with a general’s instincts. Against the Philistine Goliath, Abner played a strategic waiting game that paid off when David stepped forward. Years later, outwitted by the renegade David (see 1 Samuel 26), Abner conceded his mistake, but not before crushing David’s ego with a stunning verbal comeback. Here’s the setting:
Under cover of night, David stole past Abner’s sentries, taking Saul’s own spear and canteen, glorious souvenirs that would surely embarrass the entire Israelite high command. At dawn David climbed upon a rock on a hill opposite Saul and began to taunt, in effect saying, “Look what I’ve got!” Abner, who knew very well who was boasting, answered David with aplomb, covering his own astonishment and at the same time minimizing David’s feat.
Abner survived the episode, while lesser leaders would have found themselves demoted or jailed. He could take a hit without falling apart. He could muster an army to fight another day. He was a cat who always landed on his feet.
The next time you’re caught in an embarrassing bind, own up to the situation — face the music head on, without falling apart, and God will see you through.
PRAYER
Lord God, I admit that I. . .
READ
Abner’s story is told in 1 Samuel 14:50 — 2 Samuel 4:12. Abner is also mentioned in 1 Kings 2:5,32 and 1 Chronicles 26:28; 27:16 – 22.
Scripture
About this Plan
This is a 21 day extract of the Once-A-Day Men & Women of the Bible Devotional with 365 daily readings unpacking the most memorable people of the Bible. Daily readings take a look at the lives of Bible characters and include Bible text, a short reading, and a thought to ponder.
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