Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, "For some time you have wanted to make David your king. Now do it! For the Lord promised David, 'By my servant David I will rescue my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.'" 2 Samuel 3:17
Abner is an interesting Biblical character. The cousin of Saul, the commander of the king's army - he was a strong warrior who commanded attention. When he spoke, others listened.
But did he?
Did he listen when the One who commands the most attention spoke?
The Lord made it clear: David was His choice as Saul's successor. Abner knew this. Yet he fought for the house of Saul. Unwavered, he stood against David's rule until it was apparent that Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, was too weak to rule.
Why did he hang on for so long? Why was Abner so loyal to a cause that he knew was not the will of God?
Lord, help me to listen and follow. I don't want to be like Abner who knew the truth and stood against it. Let my loyalties be to You and You alone.