David's Mighty Men

by CAPEWELL, P. | Category: General | May 1996

What an honour to follow a leader who, with God's help, had killed a lion and a bear; felled a giant with a single stone; crept up secretly in the dead of night to take the spear of King Saul as he slept! It would be an even greater honour to be named amongst 'the mighty men whom David had, who showed themselves strong with him' (1 Chr. 11:10). David's mighty men were physically strong and fearless.

The young people to whom John wrote were spiritually strong and victorious over Satan because of the Word of God living in them (1 John 2:14). The Lord Jesus Christ, our Leader, wants Christians today who, with His help, will win victories over the Adversary and be strong in their knowledge of the Bible and fearless in owning Him as Master at school, college and in the workplace.

It was a motley band that gathered themselves to David at the cave of Adullam 'and he became captain over them' (1 Sam. 22:2). From a small, devoted group of men, the band grew to be a 'great host' (1 Chr. 12:22). David travelled from one hiding place to another, in the wilderness and the hill country. He was pursued by Saul, but his confidence was in God. 'My heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed' (Ps. 57:7). There was no fluctuation in his loyalty and devotion to God. David's followers were characterized by singleness of heart and mind in their devotion to him. The Lord Jesus, our Leader, is at present rejected by many. Those of us who love Him should rally to His cause, owning Him as King and Lord, echoing from dedicated hearts Amasai's pledge: 'Thine are we ... and on thy side' (1 Chr. 12:18).

David said to his God:

I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks unto Thee ... I will sing praises ... For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens (Ps. 57:8-10 RVM).

Our Leader also rose early to pray to His God and Father:

And in the morning, a great while before day, He rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed (Mark 1:35).

As His followers, we should be men and women of prayer.

May we be inspired by the example of Eleazer, Abishai and Benaiah who fearlessly broke through the Philistine garrison to fetch water for David from the well at Bethlehem. They risked their lives to supply what their leader deserved. David realized this and poured it out as a drink offering to God.

CAPEWELL, P. | May 1996
General