Stepping Up for the Cause
Today, I conducted the chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. This afternoon I reviewed some scholarship applications for my local Rotary Club. It has been interesting to see the challenges of some of our youth today, their efforts in school, their community involvement and plans and goals for the future.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Ā “The Philistines again waged war against Israel. David went down with his soldiers, and they fought the Philistines, but David became exhausted.Ā Then Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giant, whose bronze spear weighed about eight pounds and who wore new armor, intended to kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him.” 2 Samuel 21:15-17 HCSB
One of the greatest challenges in leadership and in growing older, is realizing that “I can’t do what I used to be able to do.” David from his youth was a “man of war.” As a shepherd boy he fought the “lion and lamb.” He made a name for himself when through the Lord’s help he killed the giant Goliath. He was not only a military leader, but he was a brave, valiant and successful fighter.
David’s last battle, almost was the end of his life. As he faced the arch-enemy of Israel, the Philistines, he grew exhausted and weak. A soldier by the name of Abishai steps in and saves David. He killed the man, who was the descendant of the giants, that almost brought revenge on the “giant killer.” From that time on David was not allowed to go into battle with the armies of Israel.
We read of Abishai a little later. As we see the description of three of the most brave, gallant and successful of David’s fighting men, the Bible says,Ā “Abishai, Joabās brother and son of Zeruiah, was leader of the Three. He raised his spear against 300 men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three.Ā Was he not more honored than the Three? He became their commander even though he did not become one of the Three.” (2 Samuel 23:18-19 HCSB)
It seems that Goliath was not the only giant of the Philistine army. We read, “At Gath….A huge man was there with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot–in all. He, too, was descended from the giant. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan, son of Davidās brother Shimei, killed him.” (2 Samuel 21:20-21 HCSB)
They scene sounds familiar. A giant of a man, taunting the armies of Israel. What we see is David’s nephew (the son of his brother Shimei) steps forward and defeats the giant. Shimei would have been present when his younger brother David, as a teen boy stepped forward to address the taunts of Goliath. Now his son shows strength and courage in defeating one of the relatives of the famed fighter of the Philistines.
Some observations.
David’s success was dependent upon a band of loyal fighting men. Trained, prepared, strong and courageous. That is a key to leadership success today, in business and in the church.
This group of trained warriors, looked out for their leader and “had his back.” David was facing a certain death, when one of his mighty warriors and leaders stepped in to save his life.
David was willing to listen and submit to the counsel, concern and protection of those trusted men. David could have resisted the advice to stay away from future battles. He could have shrugged of the near death experience and chalked it up to a fluke occurrence. But David understood that his prime years of being on the battlefield had come to an end and he needed to change his focus and redirect his energies. Being able to change roles and approaches is a key trait of successful leaders with longevity.
We see the courage and development of the next generation. David’s brother Shimei was a member of the army of Saul who stood in fear of Goliath. But his son, as part of David’s army knew that giants were made to be conquered.Ā The success and example of David and his generation inspired the next.
We can have confidence in the victory of generations to come, when they are given examples of courage, faith and dependence upon the Lord who is with them always. We have observed with each passing generation and for each time period, the Lord has raised up leaders, “for such a time as this” who will rise to the occasion.