Missions with Mighty Men (JH)

1 Chronicles 11:4-9, 12:1-40, 2 Samuel 23:8-39

DAVID SECURES THE THRONE

Lessons from the mighty men:

Team mentality

“If there is a good road, we’ll send men” “In that case, don’t send any. We want men and women who will come, even if there is not a good road to come by.”

1 Chronicles 12 Commentary

by Hank Workman

David found himself surrounded by great warriors who were committed to the cause.  As we read here, these men had practiced their skills.  They were tough as nails.  They were determined to see success.  As would be expected with such warriors they were fit for battle and completely sold out to supporting David and serving God.

These were a group of warriors who not only were solid in strength, they had acute judgment and discernment in how they were to respond in the culture of their time.

We are all called to be warriors for Christ.  We all have been given a mission He desires us to accomplish and victory to be had.  We may be the best suited for such a mission but it is the Lord Jesus and His Spirit who helps us win.  Actively pursue the Spirit of God in your situation.  Seek wisdom and discernment in the times and culture of the situation you face.

1 Chronicles 12 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

The story of David’s mighty men sounds a bit like a Hollywood blockbuster. In Chapter 11, we read the incredible stories of these men. From striking down an 7.5-foot Egyptian giant to wielding a single spear against 300 men, this rag-tag bunch was ready for anything. Here in Chapter 12, we read of even more skilled men who joined David in his raids.

Ziklag had become a critical location for David when he was on the run from Saul. Along with him, men from the tribes of Benjamin, Gad, Judah, and Manasseh rounded out his mighty men. This alone illustrates just how bad the situation had become with Saul’s leadership as these men wanted nothing to do with fighting for him.

The point is, God was building an extraordinary team around David. He was providing the firepower for victory. Yes, David could have assembled his own team. However, we all know that when the Lord is moving, He brings along the right people at the right moment in time for whatever task is at hand. This is such a powerful reminder that He already knows the battles of the future and has prepared warriors to join alongside us. The Lord fights for us. He knows the need and will structure a force so powerful that nothing can stand against it!

Some comments:

They did it together. They were a team.

Humility. They didn’t need to be in charge. They didn’t need the credit. They just needed the victory.

Nobody wanted the glory or fame. Despite David being King and leader, the group would have been better described as “Yahweh’s Mighty Men”

Each man (person) had something to contribute.

They were too busy serving to justify why they could not be mighty (excuses).

“Stop talking and do something mighty”

Somebody has to do it

See the need; fill the need.

They gave themselves to the right cause.

Only one cause was worthy to rise up and be mighty for.

Join the LORD’s cause!

What causes do we give ourselves to?

With God, anyone can be a mighty warrior for the Kingdom.

It has nothing to do with you, but it has everything to do with God!

Mark 10:27 ESV

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”