There's Hope For TodaySample

The sons of Zeruiah were among the mightiest of David’s mighty men.

These distant cousins distinguished themselves on the battlefield and demonstrated a filial loyalty to David. While they projected the power and authority of David’s kingdom, they did not share the king’s heart. The sons of Zeruiah had one fail-safe plan for every kind of opposition: Kill it. Have you ever run into David’s distant cousins? They are a capable and dynamic tribe, but sympathy, compassion, humility, and brokenness are not to be found among them. When David’s kingdom was usurped by his renegade son, the sons of Zeruiah wanted blood, without regard for David’s feelings. When David was insulted on his skulking exodus from Jerusalem, the sons of Zeruiah wanted blood.

They could not conceive that God might have a hand in their shameful procession. When the crisis had passed and David regained his kingdom, they lobbied for the blood of his enemies. David wisely chose to mark his return with mercy rather than murder. Though Zeruiah’s sons were mighty, they would never be used beyond the military.

Power is not the only evidence of God’s presence and approval.