May 27, 2002
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for June 9
EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Integrity is challenging but ultimately bears fruit
___ 2 Samuel 3:1, 27, 31-32, 36-37; 4:1, 5-6, 9-11
___By Roy Cotton
___BGCT DFW/Metroplex Church Starting Center Consultant
___This week's selected passages in chapters 3 and 4 of 2 Samuel indicate one of David's most admired virtues, integrity. Integrity is defined as "uprightness of character; honesty." Character is moral excellence. Character is what we are when no one is around us.
___David's lament for Jonathan was understandable, given the unselfish nature of Jonathan and their friendship bond. But David also led a lament over the violent death of Saul. David's only reward for the Amalekite was to execute him after he incriminated himself, claiming he had murdered Saul on Mount Gilboa.
___The text reveals the missing ingredient in many of today's leaders--integrity. Thank God there are people of integrity in the private and public sectors. More so, thank God for Christian leaders in the church, community, nation and world. This lesson is as relevant as tomorrow's newspaper, because it shows the importance of integrity in leading others. God's people should act with integrity at all times, regardless of circumstances.
___Integrity is challenging. It is not easy to act with integrity. Integrity is at its best when circumstances are their worst. Leadership shows its true colors in crises. David was not perfect, but he had integrity and dependence on God. He trusted in God's timing, and God kept his promise of giving him the throne of Israel.
___Fruit of integrity
___The chapter begins with a summary of the conflict highlighted previously. There was "war between the house of Saul and the house of David" for a long time (v. 1).
___Abner, Saul's cousin and commander of his army, was the most prominent leader associated with the house of Saul. He had made Saul's only surviving son, Ish-Bosheth, king of Israel. Ish-Bosheth's reign was uneventful, and he showed himself a weak leader. The only reason he was king was the fact his father had been king for 40 years. Abner, who had been loyal to Saul, appeared to be loyal to his son.
___However, this one verse reveals the outcome of the conflict (v. 1). Judah, under David's leadership, became stronger while Israel, under Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth, grew weaker and weaker.
___David's dependence on God paid off in the fruit of his integrity, as Hebrews states: "whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle" (Hebrews 11:32,34).
___Lack of integrity
___David's integrity is contrasted with Joab's lack of integrity (v. 27). Joab's brother, Asahel, had been killed by Abner. Abner, being chased by Asahel, had warned him to stop, but he would not turn back (2:21-23). Later, Abner suggested to Joab that they have a cease-fire (2:26). Joab agreed (2:27). But he was determined to avenge the death of his brother.
___Abner made an agreement to facilitate the peaceful "transfer of the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David's throne over Israel and Judah" (v. 10). Abner even convinced Ish-Bosheth to meet David's terms to send his wife Michal back to him (v. 14). Ish-Bosheth ordered that she be "taken away from her husband Paltiel" (v. 15). Abner then convinced the elders of Israel "to make David your king" (v. 17).
___Joab heard Abner had dined and met with David, and David had sent him away in peace to accomplish his mission of the transfer of leadership. Joab called Abner back under false pretense. He murdered Abner to avenge the death of Asahel (v. 27). Joab's insecurity over Abner and David's friendship, and the carrying out of a vengeful act, are indicative of his lack of integrity.
___Proof of integrity
___David did not condone the murder of Abner. He ordered Joab and all the people to mourn Abner's death as a national hero (vv. 31-32). David tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned. He walked behind the coffin carrying the body of Abner, and at the burial sang a lament for this national hero (vv. 33-34). The actions of David proved he had nothing to do with the death of Abner. His integrity did not go unnoticed by the people. "All the people took note and were pleased: indeed, everything the king did pleased them" (v. 36).
___Steadfast integrity
___David was steadfast in his integrity, although there was much corruption all around him. Not only did he act with integrity in the cold-blooded murder of Abner by Joab, David's nephew, but he also had to deal with the murderers of Ish-Bosheth. Two brothers, Baanah and Recab, Benjamites, went into Ish-Bosheth's bedroom and murdered him while he was taking his midday rest. These brothers decapitated him and brought the head as evidence to David. They, like the Amalekite, were expecting to receive the king's reward, but received his judgment (vv. 9-12).
___David's integrity would not allow him to have the throne of Israel except with integrity. He realized God had "delivered" him "out of all trouble" (v. 9). He would not participate in any venture not above reproach--such a desired virtue for 21st century leaders.
___
___Questions for discussion
___ What do you seek most in a leader?
___ How do churches develop leaders with integrity?
___ Who are leaders you most admire (past and present)?
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