Misfits to Mighty Men

As I began reading II Samuel 23 I couldn’t help but chuckle…they have a ‘girlie girl’ writing about David’s final words and comments concerning his rough, tough, sword swinging, neck breaking, mighty, fighting men! Anyone else find that a little humorous?

Well, regardless of the fact that I’m about as opposite from these men as I possibly could be, there are several things that stand out to me in this chapter. The first being, the love and admiration that David possesses for these men that stood faithfully by his side. As you read it, aren’t you impressed that he makes the effort to name each man, along with giving great details about their heroic battles and feats? It is moving to me, not so much the blood and guts, but rather the respect and pride that radiates from David’s commentary. For example: 

·         Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword – now that’s fierce fighting!!

·         Shammah (as the Israelites fled) took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down – courage!!

·         Benaiah… struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. – talk about confidence and strength!

 

Following David’s tribute to the brave, he makes his list; name by name…not one would be left out or forgotten. Why would David go to such lengths to recognize these men? I can’t help but believe it’s because of their submission, obedience and love.

 So, let me ask you question…do you think these mighty men were always magnificent warriors? I Samuel 22 says; ‘So David got away and escaped to the Cave of Adullam. When his brothers and others associated with his family heard where he was, they came down and joined him. Not only that, but all who were down on their luck came around—losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts. David became their leader...’ (The Message) You might want to go back and re-read that…the men that came to David were down on their luck, losers, vagrants and misfits. Those are the men that he used to become his greatest defenders. They were the most unlikely resources and yet, they were used where they were, as they were, to become David’s most loyal and committed warriors. Their efforts earned them the benefit of having their names recorded in history.

Consider with me for a minute...do you ever feel like a misfit? Would you agree that at times you feel down on your luck, or more like a loser than a warrior? Do you ever read stories of great faith, and obedience and think, "I wish I could be like that?” The truth is that we too can be mighty men or women! While we may not be in a physical battle like David and his leaders were, we are in a spiritual war everyday. We are constantly battling an enemy that comes in many shapes and forms; fleshly sinful desires, selfishness, pride, unforgiveness, and greed. Many times the enemy comes looking for us and at other times we carelessly live our lives in the enemy's territory where we become easy prey. But regardless how it happens, it happens.

 So, how do we live not as misfits, but as mighty men and women? First, we must acknowledge who our commander is. David's men knew who was in charge. They looked to him for instruction, and wisdom. They recognized David's authority and yielded to his position. In the same way, must we acknowledge that God is God, the Commander and we are not. He is to be the Lord of our lives. We need to seek his counsel, trust his position and humbly bend to his authority!

 Secondly, we need not only acknowledge our Commander but we need to be obedient to Him as well. It wasn't just enough for David's men to hear the orders, they had to act upon them. Whether they understood or agreed with them, they realized it was their job to carry out their duties and instructions. Sometimes the convictions or instructions that God places on our hearts are not things we want to do. Many times it would be easier to ignore the pleas from the Holy Spirit, but mighty men and women understand that it is not their job to question the Commander it is only their job to obey.

 Finally, and most importantly, we need to love our Commander, the Lord God with all our heart! I believe that David's men loved him as their leader.  I believe their true willingness to acknowledge and obey David came from their heart. Their actions, whether it be following orders, standing guard, or fighting the enemy were not tasks to complete and check off their to do list but rather were a full representation of what was in their heart. I say this attribute is the most important factor in changing misfits to mighty men because I truly believe when we come to a place where we undeniably and unashamedly love God as we should it completely and utterly changes our heart. Changed hearts no longer struggle to have control but seek to offer full authority to God. Changed hearts long to be obedient in every aspect of life and not just where it feels or looks good but because they seek to honor their Lord. 

 Oh, and one final thing, mighty men and women are courageous. Real changes, heart changes take courage. Stay doing what you are currently doing...and you'll keep feeling like more like a misfit...start making some heart changes and God will transform an unlikely resource and into that of a mighty man or woman!!

 

- Christy Garison, Serve Minister