Have you heard of David’s Mighty Men? After David was anointed as the next King of Israel it would be almost 15 years before he would actually sit on the throne. For 15 years he spent much of his time running from the current king, King Saul, who wasn’t thrilled at having a potential rival for the rule of Israel.
During this time of David’s life, people began to rally around him and champion the cause of seeing David as the Ruler of Israel. Thirty-seven of these folks became known as David’s Mighty Men. These guys were the type of warriors that legends and movies bring to life today. Some of them make Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Conan the Barbarian look like Mary Poppins! You can read about them in 2 Samuel 23, and their exploits are beyond heroic.
Jashobeam once killed 800 enemy soldiers in one battle. Eleazar, along with David, once faced down an entire Philistine army after the rest of Israelite army had retreated — and they won! Abishai killed 300 once in battle. Benaiah engaged 2 champions of the Moab army and defeated them with just a club as a weapon. See… Lord of the Rings type of stuff here!
Once, when they had been fighting in battle for days, David longingly said to his men, “Oh what I would give to have a drink from the well by Bethlehem’s gate.” Actually, David wasn’t really thirsty… he just missed his home. He longed for the conflict to end, for peace to be restored, for God’s plans to be fulfilled. He longed for much more than a drink from a well — he longed for his home to be freed. You see, Bethlehem was occupied by the Philistines.
Jashobeam, Eleazar and Shammah overheard David’s plea. They were David’s three mightiest warriors, and they were unwilling to see their leader discouraged. So you know what these guys did? They left camp… they traveled to Bethlehem, they broke through the Philistine army, they drew a cup of water from the well… and they brought it back to David. Wow. Now there is devotion!
There is a compelling scene in the life of Jesus that is recorded in Luke 19 that fascinates me. While all 4 Gospels record Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, only Luke mentions this snapshot into God’s heart. “But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep.” Luke 19:41 During the triumphal entry, folks! People cheering and throwing their cloaks onto the road before Jesus. People shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” It was a parade! It was a party! It was a celebration! And yet… Jesus… when he sees the city… begins to weep. Why?
Because for Jesus too, it wasn’t about a drink of water. The celebratory attitude of those surrounding him didn’t distract him from realizing the brokenness of humanity and the devastation of sin. He longed for true healing to take place. He longed for people to seek him and find him. He longed to see those that he loved so dearly, freed!
Fortunately for you and for me, there were some mighty folks who were willing to pick up the banner of Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and salvation, and after his resurrection and ascension… they carried that banner around the world. Followers of Jesus who were willing to give their very lives for the sake of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
You know, David’s Mighty Men were pretty heroic. Their feats and accomplishments were monumental. And Jesus’ disciples were no less devoted as they carried Jesus’ story and message far and wide. Here’s the point… Both David’s men and Jesus’ followers were willing to do anything for their Lord. They were willing to go to any lengths to fulfill the mission laid before their lord and leader.
People of CAC… may that characteristic be true of us! Jesus has laid the commission upon us all… “…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
May we be Mighty Men and Women for Jesus! May what broke his heart, break ours. May his love of others motivate us toward the love of others. And may nothing… not selfishness or laziness… not busyness or apathy… not money or even Philistines keep us from advancing the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. Because… if it mattered THAT MUCH to Jesus it should matter to us too.
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