Listen to the exploits of David's Mighty Men, as written in 1 Chronicles 11 and 12:
"Jashobeam... raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter" (11:11). "Abishai... raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became famous" (11:20). "Benaiah... was a valiant fighter... [who] struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear" (11:22-23). "They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were swift as gazelles in the mountains" (12:8).
Such were the exploits of these men. In modern day terms, some might call them gruesome. I, however, being the hopeless romantic that I am, beg to differ. These were men fighting to defend King David, God's chosen and anointed King for the nation of Israel which was God's chosen people. They fiercely sought justice on behalf of the one true God, and fully supported this man, David, who is described as a man after God's own heart.
I wonder if I would have been one of David's Mighty Men? I'd like to think so, because that is what I long for; I long to fight valiantly. A physical battle? Sure, if that's what it comes to. A spiritual battle? Most definitely. I think that is why I like being a Marine, because it gives me that ethos on the outside- the warrior ethos - of one who will fight come hell or high water, who will adapt and overcome.
For me, that translates into my spiritual life as well. It helps me relate so well to that warrior aspect of God's character, "The Lord is a warrior, the Lord is his name" (Exodus 15:3). It is amazing to think that I could be like God in that way. Should I be surprised? I was made in his image, after all. Either way, whether physical or spiritual, I want the battles I fight to be ones in which the end result is me capturing, even if it's just a small piece, the heart of the living God; the one true God; the same God that David and his Mighty Men served. What an intense thing to fight for! But I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it as tenaciously as Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:22-30. And son of a gun I know I will capture it. Why can I be so confident? Because of God's promise, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). I intend to do exactly that. This coincides well with my life verses from Philippians 3:10-14. I love how that works out.On a different note, this time in South Korea has been significant for me personally. Both times I've come here (now and last August) God has moved me/shaped my heart/shown me himself in life-altering ways. I thank him for it. It is truly remarkable. And I love that I get to share it with the world - even if no one ever reads it! It is good for me to just get it out there, put that 'ink to paper' so to speak.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
1 comment:
Steve,
I came across your blog when I was conducting an internet search of your name for a number of coincidental reasons that at the time seemed nearly random...but upon reading your words, I am certain that it is no coincidence that I was thinking about you at the time. I seem to be encountering beacons leading me toward actively exploring a more fulfilling relationship with God. Thank you for sharing these insights. I can honestly say that I have never felt 'filled with the Holy Spirit' prior to recognizing in your words the convergence of an exciting and knowledgable community in Okinawa ( the Knights, etc.) providing the possibility of real spiritual & intellectual enrichment through attendance to the Scripture~ Happy Easter to you and best wishes, Amy Decker.
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