The three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle. 2 Samuel 2:18
Zeruiah was David’s sister (1 Chron. 2:16). So Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were the nephews of David. Family members who are eager to defend you are not always a blessing! These nephews were hotheads and hardliners. They misrepresented the king they professed to serve. For all their good intentions, they were a thorn in David’s side.
After the chaos of the twelve-on-twelve, the youngest of David’s three nephews, Asahel, decided that he would go after Abner (2:19). Why was he pursuing Abner? David wants to win Abner. Asahel wants to destroy Abner. David’s mission was to bring the tribes together by reaching out with grace. But in seeking to destroy Abner, Asahel completely misrepresented his king!
The sons of Zeruiah misrepresented David. They were loyal to his cause, but strangers to his grace. It would be a great mistake to judge David by looking at Joab or Abishai or Asahel.
I do not doubt that many people who have professed to be Christians have done terrible things that misrepresented the Savior they claimed to serve. Jesus will deal with them. What matters is that today Jesus offers mercy and grace to those who have opposed him and to those who have misrepresented him. It would be a great mistake for any of us to judge Jesus by those who misrepresent him.
Have you ever misjudged Jesus because of those who misrepresented him?