Today’s devotion is taken from 2 Samuel 23:8-17
We have read and learnt so much about David these past few weeks. Today’s devotion focuses on the mighty men who helped and were around David in his battles. God used people in David’s life to accomplish his purpose. Here we read a summary of a band of mighty men who showed bravery and faith in the God who called David to lead Israel. What lessons can we draw from these men? They serve as an example to each of us when we serve the Lord. They were loyal to their King and they were also courageous.
Courage and tenacity
In v.8 to 12, we see a supernatural courage that defied the odds. Adino the Eznite was noted to have filled 800 men at one time. Eleazar the son of Dodo, though his hand was weary, his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. When we read stories of battles from the Bible, I would like us to imagine us in their position. How many of us would try overcome odds of defeating 800 soldiers? Do we believe God is with us in difficult situations? God told Joshua to be strong and courageous 3 times in the first chapter alone. Numerous times in the bible we are told Fear not! We are called to be strong, bold and courageous in our faith. He promised us that we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We must remember how faithful God was in our lives and have faith that he will always be faithful in whatever circumstances we are facing. Do you trust Him when even when the odds are stacked against you? Do you trust Him even when you are weary like Eleazar and will you have persistent faith like Eleazar?
Sacrificial faith
In 2 Samuel 23:16-17, this passage recalls when David was still in exile and he has to flee King Saul who was trying to kill him. 3 of David’s men overheard him longing for water. These 3 brave men broke through enemy lines to draw water for David. It was probably about 42km round trip for these 3 men just to bring water for David. These 3 men risked their lives to bring water for David and David considered that it was too precious to drink himself. David considered it so valuable that he offered it only to God. Though David was so thirsty, he gave the best he had at that time to God. This gives us another example why he is a man after God’s own heart. Do we have sacrificial faith like these men? Abraham offered up Isaac in an act for obedience and faith. Some of us are not willing to sacrifice our time for God. We rather watch TV, play games or play our handphone for hours without allocating time for God. Be it quiet time, be it reading His Word, attending Bible studies or attending Church. We are not willing to risk our time, what more our lives? Jesus said we must take up our own crosses and follow him. Are we grateful for his sacrifice on the Cross so that we will have eternal life and enjoy the ultimate joy of having a relationship with our creator? Only when we can to this place of humility, can we then allow his Grace to flow down into our lives.
Reflection:
1) Have we been complacent in our faith towards Christ or do we hold firmly to His promises for us?
2) Do we have time for God in our daily lives? Do we find it difficult to spend time with him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant us courage as we go through our daily lives. Help me to keep going when I am tempted to give up. Give us faith that will persevere that will stand firm in the toughest of times. We also pray that our lives be align with Your Will and that you are above all things. We declare that you are the centre of our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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