“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12).

After Saul had died, all Israel assembled before David requesting him to be king of Israel. David consented and made a covenant before the Lord with all the leaders and elders of Israel. As David came to Jerusalem where the local people (the Jebusites) lived, they refused David and his men to enter their territory. Yet David went and captured the fortress of Zion. He said to his soldiers that whoever led his army to attack the Jebusites would be commander-in-chief. Joab was the first  and became chief in David’s troops.

Winning a military battle depends mostly on valiant soldiers who are willing to risk their lives to attack their enemies. It is also true of the spiritual warfare where only brave and courageous warriors can receive the trophy. In Matthew 10:28 Jesus sai, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Who is able to destroy both body and soul? That is the Devil who leads us astray from the way of righteousness that God desires. Rather we choose the devil’s way which is smooth but slippery,comfortable but indulgent. As a result, we are unaware to fall into the deepest pit.

Let’s stay alert and put on the whole armor of God ready to fight the battle that God has prepared for us. And we’ve been predestined to win because Jesus has put the enemy under his foot. Let’s learn from Joab, his readiness and willingness to sacrifice and his desperate desire to receive the highest honor.