1 Chronicles 20

At a time when kings go out to war, David stayed at home in Jerusalem and sent Joab to fight against the Ammonites to the east. No reason is given here for his behavior since the Chronicler is focusing on the glory of David's reign.

What Joab did, in this case overthrowing the capital of the Ammonites, he did in the name of the king. The crown of the Ammonites goes to the king and not to the general who led the troops in battle.

The details of why David stayed home and how Joab convinced David to come forth to victory were not recorded here. They were given to us in another place. The important point was that the glory of victory belonged to the Lord's anointed, David.

When David's servants performed great deeds of valor against enemies of imposing stature, it was David's hand that accomplished the victory. These great warriors were united to David. Their conquests were credited to the king that they loved.

We have a King, a descendant of David, who fights for us. If we have any accomplishment in His service, it is our joy to acknowledge that Jesus is the one who should receive the glory. If we have won any crowns, it is our to delight to lay them at the feet of the Christ.

The alternative to this way of life is to see ourselves as disconnected from our Lord. This we cannot agree to. We insist that His victories are for our well-being. If we have achieved anything, it is only because of Him. He must receive the praise. We will not be independent from Jesus.