Who Will Go With Me

"Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, saying, 'Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?' And Abishai said, 'I will go down with you.'" -1 Samuel 26.6

Saul has pursued David and set up camp for the night. Saul is in the center of the camp with his men surrounding him, and David plans to visit during the night. He asks who will come along with him on this mission, and Abishai volunteers. This is not necessarily the safest mission. They are walking into the middle of the enemy camp. One wrong move and thousands of men are awake and on top of them. If they are captured it is certain death, and yet Abishai volunteers to go. He knows the risks involved, but he is standing by David.

We need friends like this. We need friends who are willing to stand by us, even in the most dangerous of times. We need brothers who have our backs, that are willing to bleed with us, and if necessary, die by our side.

Men, do you have friends like this? Are you a friend like this? This is not the type of relationship that you have with many people. I have about three friends that this applies to. But I know they have my back at all times, and they know I have theirs. They are willing to go with me into dangerous areas. To have that sort of friend you have to be that sort of friend.

Let us be men who are willing to go. Let us be men who are brave and dependable.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Undeserved Mercy

"Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, 'Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?' So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel, to search for David in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul camped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, beside the road, and David was staying in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, David sent out spies, and he knew that Saul was definitely coming. David then arose and came to the place where Saul had camped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army; and Saul was lying in the circle of the camp, and the people were camped around him... So David and Abishai came to the people by night, and behold, Saul lay sleeping inside the circle of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people were lying around him. Then Abishai said to David, 'Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand; now therefore, please let me strike him with the spear to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.' But David said to Abishai, 'Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be without guilt?' David also said, 'As the Lord lives, surely the Lord will strike him, or his day will come that he dies, or he will go down into battle and perish.'" -1 Samuel 26.1-5, 7-10

Yet again Saul is out to kill David. For the second time he has pursued him into the wilderness in an attempt to remove this threat. And for the second time David spares Saul's life as he holds it in his hands. After the first pursuit, when David spares him, Saul gives the impression that he is done chasing David. However, news arrives of David's location, and Saul cannot resist. He takes a force that out numbers David's five to one, and sets up camp. David with a single companion sneak into the camp, find Saul, and again spares his life.

Reading this makes me think of the saying, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me." This is the second time Saul has chased David in the wilderness seeking his life, but it is far from the second time Saul has tried to kill him. There is no reason to believe that Saul is ever going to stop seeking David's life, after all, the last time this situation occurred Saul admitted his guilt and yet here they are again. And yet again, David shows mercy. It is not David's place or right to strike down God's anointed king, and he refuses to do so.

Does Saul deserve Mercy, probably not. Again, he's tried to kill David on multiple occasions, and there is no reason to believe he won't try again in the future. But David does not allow himself to give in to the temptation. He knows that Saul is God's anointed king and will not raise his hand against him.

Men, if this was you, what would you do? Take out the killing aspect, and what do you do when someone screws you over? Again, I think of the "Fool me one, fool me twice" saying, and part of me is inclined say you don't get a second chance. I don't believe you have to put yourself in the position to be taken advantage of, or abused, over and over, but do you offer forgiveness for the past offenses? That is where we need to show mercy. Forgiveness does not mean that what happened was ok. It does not say it didn't matter or hurt. It does not give the person permission to do it again. All it says is I do not hold this against you, and I will not allow myself to be imprisoned by it. Mercy gives what is not deserved, and allows God to handle it.

Let us be men of mercy.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Beginning of the Downfall

"When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her, saying, 'David has sent us to you to take you as his wife.' She arose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, 'Behold, your maidservant is a maid to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.' Then Abigail quickly arose, and rode on a donkey, with her five maidens who attended her; and she followed the messengers of David and became his wife. David had also taken Ahinoam of Jezreel, and they both became his wives." -1 Samuel 25.40-43

God brought justice on Nabal, taking his life. When David hears of this he sends a marriage proposal to Nabal's widow Abigail. He was already married to Saul's daughter, but verse 44 informs us that Saul had given her to another man. David takes a new wife, but we see that she is not the only one. In addition to Abigail he has also married Ahinoam of Jezreel.

Throughout the Old Testament we have seen several men with multiple wives, but even though it was cultural and political, it violates God's design, and it begins to set up David's downfall. God created marriage to be between one man and one woman until death. David is compromising that here, and it will lead to the future compromises he makes.

Men, daily we have the opportunity to compromise. We are presented with situations where we can do something for an advantage or simply because we want to. How often do those things lead us away from God's original design? Each time we compromise it makes the next time that much easier. What compromise will be your final downfall?

Let us be men who refuse to compromise. Let us be men who never let the downfall begin.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

The Voice of Reason

"Then David said to Abigail, 'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me, and blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. Nevertheless, as the Lord God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from harming you, unless you had come quickly to meet me, surely there would not have been left to Nabal until the morning light as much as one male.' So David received from her hand what she had brought him and said to her, 'Go up to your house in peace. See, I have listened to you and granted your request.'" -1 Samuel 25.32-35

There was a rich man named Nabal whose shepherds had received protection from David's men. David sends a request to Nabal, seeking supplies, and tells him of how he has taken care of his works. Nabal refuses David's request and insults him, and so David and 400 of his men arm themselves and march out to destroy Nabal. Fortunately, for both parties, Abigail, Nabal's wife, is informed of what has happened, and rides out with supplies to make peace with David. She presents the offering to him, and persuades David not to pursue his course of violence. David listens to the voice of reason and bloodshed is avoided.

Men, there are things that make us fighting mad. Some of those things are worth getting upset about, and some of them are worth fighting over, but some of those things are not. Probably a majority of those things. When you're mad about the wrong things, who is the voice of reason? God has placed women in the world for a variety of reasons, and one of them is to serve in this capacity. There are times my wife tells me things I don't want to hear. She serves at that voice of reason causing me to stop and reassess things.

Let us be men who listen to the voice of reason.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

God's Way

"Now when Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, saying, 'Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.' Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. He came to the sheepfolds on the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the inner recesses of the cave. The men of David said to him, 'Behold, this is the day of which the Lord said to you, "Behold; I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you."' Then David arose and cut off the edge of Saul’s robe secretly. It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. So he said to his men, 'Far be it from me because of the Lord that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.' David persuaded his men with these words and did not allow them to rise up against Saul. And Saul arose, left the cave, and went on his way. Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, 'My lord the king!' And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself. David said to Saul, 'Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, "Behold, David seeks to harm you"? Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, "I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed." Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it. May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.'" -1 Samuel 24.1-12

Saul has been pursuing David, seeking to kill him, because he is a threat to Saul's reign. David has been on the run, fleeing and hiding out, evading Saul, but for the first time, David has the upper hand. David and his men are hiding in a cave at Engedi, and Saul enters the same cave. David's men tell him that God has delivered Saul into his hands. From a human stand point David's troubles are over, but David seeks to do things God's way, and refuses to harm the king. Instead he cuts off the edge of Saul's robe, and after Saul leaves the cave David pursues him, showing him that he has spared his life.

All David had to do was stab Saul in the back, literally, and his days of hiding out in the wilderness would have been over. He could have killed the king, and assumed his God appointed role as king, but David knew that was not God's way, and refused to kill the Lord's anointed. His actions showed Saul, for the moment, that he had no intention of stealing the throne. By doing things God's way, David was not a usurper, but the rightful king.

Men, how do you do things? Do you focus on doing things God's way, enduring the hardships, waiting on His timing? Or do you see an advantage and take it without considering what may follow? When the world tells you to do what is easy, do you hear God telling you to do what is right? There is a proper way to do things, and then there is the easy way. Doing things the easy way may be faster, but it will bring about future consequences that could have been avoided by doing things God's way.

David could have taken Saul's life, but then more people would have been after David for killing the king. Saul's family would have reason to pursue David, and now he is fighting a different battle. David would have had to answer to the nation for his actions, and would have faced God's judgment for killing His anointed leader. However, because David didn't take the easy way, his reign began legitimately and guiltless.

Let us be men who refuse to take the easy way. Let us be men who endure the hardships and pursue God's way.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Pictures from Engedi.

Acting Like a King

"Then they told David, saying, 'Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are plundering the threshing floors.' So David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' And the Lord said to David, 'Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah.' But David’s men said to him, 'Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?' Then David inquired of the Lord once more. And the Lord answered him and said, 'Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.' So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines; and he led away their livestock and struck them with a great slaughter. Thus David delivered the inhabitants of Keilah." -1 Samuel 23.1-5

David hears that some of his people are in trouble, and he is moved to action. He seeks God's leading, and once he is given the go ahead from God, he and his men move in and attack the Philistines, saving the people of Keilah. David is not the reigning king, but he is the anointed king. While the current king is obsessed with eliminating his rival, David is focused on saving his people. David may not wear the crown, but he is acting like a king.

David knows that Saul is after him, and yet he also knows that his people are under attack. He seeks God, and knowing that God will watch over him and protect him, and then moves in to save his people. Saul should have done this. Saul should have assembled the army and ridden out into battle against the Philistines who are plundering in his country. Saul has lost focus on his role as king. He is obsessed with keeping power that he is failing to use it as he should. He is not acting like a king.

Men, each of us are called to be kings. A key responsibility of a king is to protect those he leads, making them safe so that their lives can be better. We have the responsibility to protect our families. We have the responsibility to take care of our employees. We have the responsibility to guard those in our churches. That is the responsibility that comes with a kingdom.

While David did not wear the crown, he was the anointed king. Rather than hiding out, seeking to protect his own life, David does what a king should do and moves to defend his people.

Let us be men who act like kings. Let us use our strength not to preserve our own lives and to protect our rule, but rather let us spend our strength in the service of those we lead. Let us act like kings.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

New Low

"But the king said, 'You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household!' And the king said to the guards who were attending him, 'Turn around and put the priests of the Lord to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me.' But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the Lord. Then the king said to Doeg, 'You turn around and attack the priests.' And Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests, and he killed that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. And he struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; also oxen, donkeys, and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword." -1 Samuel 22.16-19

Saul has reached a new low. In his pursuit of David, he learns that a priest of God gave aid to him. After questioning Saul orders his men to kill the priests, but these Israelites are unwilling to harm the priests. And so Saul turns to a foreigner, Doeg the Edomite, who has no problem at all with the command. Doeg not only kills the priest, but then goes to attack the families of the priests, including women, children and infants. Saul not only has ordered his own people to be attacked, but he orders that priests and their families be attacked.

Now it must be pointed out that he did not have all the information. Doeg tells Saul that he saw David come and receive aid, but he does not inform the king that David claimed to be on a mission for Saul. Saul did not have the whole story, but regardless his actions were inexcusable. He ordered his men to kill the Lord's priests, and then to turn the attack on their families. Saul has become so obsessed with keeping his power and removing any threat to his reign, that he is willing to order the death of priests and children.

When we begin to live for ourselves we hurt the innocent. When we are so focused on what we want, we will go farther than we ever thought to attain it. Saul, the one God had anointed as King over his chosen people, ordered the death of God's anointed priests. How far have you gone?

Men, what are the casualties you have inflicted by your choices? Have you neglected your children because they hindered your hobbies? Have you walked out on your wife because she hasn't met your needs? Have you killed them with your silence, or your absence? Living for yourself will bring about greater destruction than you could have ever imagined.

Let us be men who refuse to act as Saul did. Let us set aside our selfish desires and focus on the responsibilites God has given us. May we never sink as low as Saul, but let us rise up and focus on what God has called us to.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Turning Point

"So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him." -1 Samuel 22.1-2

David has been on the run from Saul. He spent time among the Philistines, and only survived by acting like a madman. Now, the anointed king of Israel is hiding in a cave, but he is not left alone. His brothers and the rest of his family hear where he is and go to him. They probably came to offer him encouragement and supplies, and to not let him go through this hardship alone.

In addition to this, others begin to gather to him. Everyone who was in debt or distress, everyone who was discontented and wanted a change came to him. A small army begins to form with David as their leader. At this point I believe things begin to turn around for David. Yes, there is still a long and hard road ahead, but he is no longer alone.

There is a turning point in each of our lives. For me it was just over a year and a half ago. My wife and I were living in my parent's basement, feeling very alone, and then God opened a door for a new job. It financially provided for us, has allowed me to further my education, and has opened doors to share the Gospel. The basement was my cave of Adullam, but God did not abandon me there because He had placed a calling on my life.

Men, you have a calling on your life as well. In order to see its fulfillment you might spend some time in a cave, but know that the cave can be a turning point, not the final destination.

Let us be men who endure, and even in the cave, let us focus on the calling of God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

The Giant's Sword

"David said to Ahimelech, 'Now is there not a spear or a sword on hand? For I brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s matter was urgent.' Then the priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you would take it for yourself, take it. For there is no other except it here.' And David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me.'" -1 Samuel 21.8-9

When David killed Goliath he knocked him out with a stone, then decapitated him with his own sword. The sword that was used to slay the first enemy David fought for Israel would now become his own weapon for the next battles of his life. Slaying the giant equipped him for future battles.

The battles we fight today will prepare us for the battles of tomorrow. Some will give us experience, but others may very well arm us for the next enemy. If we fail to slay the giant today, we very well may be ill-equipped for tomorrow. The things we fail, or neglect, to do today can impact our ability to fight in the future.

Men, is there a giant you are neglecting, hoping it will go away? Is there something you keep putting off for one reason or another? How could that be impacting your future? In what ways does your failure to do battle today hinder your ability to fight tomorrow?

Let us be men who slay the giant so that we can take up the giant's sword.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

For a Friend

"But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, 'Why should he be put to death? What has he done?' Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death. Then Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did not eat food on the second day of the new moon, for he was grieved over David because his father had dishonored him." -1 Samuel 20.32-33

David knows that Saul is after him, and Jonathan agrees to find out Saul's intentions at great personal risk. The two form a plan for how they will find the information and then how to communicate it, and then Jonathan goes to learn the truth. David does not show up for a feast, and on the second day Saul inquires about David's absence. Jonathan tells him he requested to return home for a sacrifice, and Saul becomes angry. When Jonathan asks about it, Saul tries to spear him, and the truth is revealed. Jonathan risked his life to save David.

Men, how far are you willing to go for a friend? Do you have a friend you are willing to risk your life for? I'm not talking about a situation where they are clearly in the wrong and you cover for them, but in a time of their innocence, is there a friend you are willing to risk everything for?

This is not the type of relationship you will have with many people. I have about three guys I would do this for. There are three guys who are the first I share the greatest joys, and the biggest hardships with. There are three guys who I trust with my heart. Who are your's?

Let us be men who are willing to risk it all for a friend.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Your Real Friends

"Now Saul told Jonathan his son and all his servants to put David to death. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David. So Jonathan told David saying, 'Saul my father is seeking to put you to death. Now therefore, please be on guard in the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself'... Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, 'If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death.' So Michal let David down through a window, and he went out and fled and escaped." -1 Samuel 19.1-2, 11-12

Saul is once again after David, seeking to kill him and end the threat to his reign. However, David does not face this hardship alone, those closest to him are looking out for him and are doing all that they can to help and protect him. David's friend Jonathan, Saul's son, has David hide, and then speaks highly of David to his father in order to save his life. For the moment Saul's anger subsides, but it does not last. After he again tries to spear David, his wife, Michal, Saul's daughter, helps him escape from their house so he will live.

Notice who the people helping David are, Saul's children. David easily could have grown suspicious of them, thinking that they were simply working with their father to take him out. Jonathan could have had him hide in a place where an ambush had been set. Michal could have lowered him out the window and cut the rope allowing him to fall to his death. David easily could have lost faith in those closest to him because of their blood line, but he doesn't. David knows those he can trust, and rather than pushing them away out of fear that they are secretly out to get him, he trusts them and his life is saved.

In my own life, I have noticed that when things get hard, I have pushed those closest to me away, and gone it alone. I had a friend in college who was like a brother to me. A few years ago my wife and I went through a very difficult time, job loss, moving in with my parent's, unemployment and then underemployment. During this time I was very discouraged, and rather than drawing closer to a friend who had stood by me, I began to push him away. I stopped calling, and would only give one or two word responses when he would text or message me. I did the opposite of what I should have done. I have since started the process of reconciling that relationship, but my response to difficulty has impacted our friendship.

I have also noticed that in times of difficulty and stress, I tend to shut my wife out. The person in this world who is closest to me and knows me better than anyone, is often one of the first people I begin to pull away from. Rather than drawing closer to her, seeking her love and support to get through the difficult times, I have pushed her away, building walls to keep her out. This too is something I have started to work on, but it is not easy.

Men, what is your response during hard times? Do you withdraw and become isolated from those who really care about you? Or do you realize the love that they have for you and draw closer to you real friends, allowing them to carry you through the difficulties? We were not made to go it alone, especially in the hard times. That is the point of relationships and community.

Let us be men who know who our true friends are, and let us turn to them for aid when times get hard. Let us not shut them out of the pain and difficulties, but let us invite them into it, knowing that they love us and simply want to help.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Care for those You Lead

"Then the commanders of the Philistines went out to battle, and it happened as often as they went out, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed." - 1 Samuel 18.30

In his attempt to eliminate David, Saul placed him over 1,000 soldiers, in the hopes that the Philistines will kill David in battle. However, the text says that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul. The Hebrew word used means "to be prudent," or "to have insight". When David in on the battlefield he is not carelessly engaging the Philistines, but tactfully and intelligently fighting the enemy. He is not rashly risking his life, or the lives of his men. And because of this, he gains great respect among the army.

Men, how do you act when faced with a difficult task? Do you strike quickly, blindly charging ahead, hoping to take the enemy by surprise? Or do you examine the possible casualties and make your decisions based on the wisest course of action?

David was a warrior, a man who knew battle first hand, and was not afraid of engaging the enemy. However, he did not carelessly waste the lives of his men to achieve victory. His behavior was wise, showing that he valued the lives of each of his men as his own. This level of care brought him respect, and favor with the people.

Let us be men who weigh the risks, and work to protect those we lead. May we never carelessly waste time and resources by blindly moving forward. Let us lead with wisdom.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Threat to Power

"It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.' Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, 'They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?' Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on." -1 Samuel 18.6-9

The Spirit of God has departed from Saul and descended upon David. When Saul sees that the people are beginning to favor David he begins to look at David with suspicion. At that point he begins to try to eliminate David, the threat to his kingdom. He personally tries to kill him, and when that attempt is unsuccessful he tries to set him up to be killed in battle. All of his attempts fail because God is with David.

How do we handle those we perceive to be a threat to our power? I'm guessing that no one reading this is not dealing with a physical throne being taken away from them, but what about a threat to your job? The youth pastor is favored over the lead pastor. This person has great success at work and is quickly climbing the corporate ladder. This new teachers classes are always fuller than the older classes. Name your situation. What is your reaction in that moment?

Looking at Saul, he desperately clung to power, and tried to do everything he could to remove the threat. He was unsuccessful because he was trying to eliminate God's chosen leader. Not every situation will be this drastic, but how do we handle the ones that aren't? Ministry is my area, and so that is where I will focus, but the concept is applicable across the board. Too many pastors stay in leadership longer than they should and do damage to the Kingdom. They refuse to share the pulpit because the youth pastor might be more popular. In some cases the youth pastor may even be fired to protect the pastor's ego.

Men, we are not going to live forever, and we cannot stay in power forever. We were not intended to. There is a time for us to take the lead, and also a time for us to step down. In one sense we must work ourselves out of a job by training up the future leaders. We can perceive them as a threat and then spend our remaining time fighting it, destroying their reputations and futures, at the expense of our own ministry. Or we can take the opportunity to help prepare them to take the lead. That is the way God intended for it to be done.

Let us be men who do not desperately cling to power, and work to eliminate every threat to our rule. Let us be men who work to prepare the next generation of leaders so that the Kingdom can continue to advance.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Friendship

"Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself... Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt." 1 Samuel 18.1, 3-4

David has slain the giant, and become part of Saul's staff, and during this time found his best friend. Let me say from the beginning that the relationship between David and Jonathan was not homosexual. The language used and the cultural mannerisms described do not imply that in any way. What we see here at the beginning of 1 Samuel 18 is the close relationship of brothers, willing to bleed together, and if need be, die for one another.

Jonathan makes a covenant with David, and as a symbol of the covenant gives David his robe, his armor, and his weapons. The two are bound together in an eternal bond of friendship. Jonathan gives David the means he has of protecting himself, his armor and weapons, in order that David might be safe in battle. He cares for David's life as his own, and will risk his to keep David safe.

Men, do you have a friend like that? Is there someone, aside from your wife and children, that you are willing to risk your life for? Do you have a close friendship? Most men don't. Friendships like this are rare because they involve risk and vulnerability. They involve sacrifice. Many en aren't willing to do those things. Many men go it alone, refusing to ask for help, and refusing to accept help that is offered.

Clearly this is not something that we will have with everyone. There are men I trust, and men I don't. There are men I will open my heart to and share the deep things with, and men I avoid making small talk with. There are men I know have my back, and men that I would never consider going into a fight with. There are men I would bleed with and even be willing to die for, and those that I wouldn't.

This is not a common, empty thing. This is a friendship that takes place between a few individuals who are willing to sacrifice for each other, and it is a rare thing.

Let us be men with at least one close friend.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Facing the Giant

"Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.' Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled." 1 Samuel 17.45-51

The battle line is drawn. On the one side is Goliath, the nine foot tall, fully armed and armored Philistine champion. Opposite him is his opponent, a young shepherd boy, armed with a club and a sling. Goliath hurls insults and curses both at David, and at God, and then tells him that his flesh will be food for the birds and wild beasts. David responds in faith, telling him that he comes to battle in the name of the Lord of hosts (armies), and that the God Goliath has taunted will deliver him into David's hands. It is Goliath who will be defeated, and the the world will know that there is a God in Israel.

The battle commences, and David charges the field, arms his sling, and hurls a stone at the giant. It strikes Goliath in the forehead, and he falls face down. David takes Goliath's sword and kills him with it, defeating the giant and saving Israel. The Philistines flee, Israel pursues them, and then returns to plunder their camp. David is victorious, and God is glorified.

Men, what giants are you facing? Or better, what giants do you see that taunt God and insult you? Poverty? Abuse? Trafficking? The list goes on and on. What makes you righteously angry? What giant's taunts make you say, enough is enough, and decide to do something about it? What giant are you willing to charge?

There are giants in this world that must be slain. Giants that defy God and insult human life and dignity. You can do something about it. You can prepare, charge the field, and slay the giant. David was a shepherd boy, armed with shepherd's tools, and he killed Goliath. His God was insulted and his people were threatened, and he refused to stand by and let it continue. He stood for justice and righteousness, and God gave him victory.

Let us stand like David did. Let us be men who are willing to do something, men who are willing to risk it all. Let us be men who will face the giant.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Use Your Strengths

"Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, 'I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.' And David took them off. He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine." -1 Samuel 17.38-40

Saul has agreed to let David fight Goliath, but before he allows him to go to battle, he dresses David in his own armor. David tries to walk, but knows he cannot face an enemy in the king's armor because he has not worked with it, and is not used to it. He takes off the armor and sets aside Saul's weapons. Instead of going to battle fully armored and armed with a sword, he picks up his shepherd's rod, collects five smooth stones for a nearby brook, and prepares his sling in his hand. These are the things he knows how to use, these are the tools he is efficient with, and these are the weapons he will slay the giant with.

When it comes to serving God, we must use our strengths. When I was late in my college years, talking about furthering my education, I was looking at a degree in pastoral counseling. That was the area I felt least equipped to tackle in ministry. I was talking to one of my professors and he told me something I'll never forget, "Strengthen your strengths, not your weaknesses." The idea is to be part of the body of Christ, part of the phalanx, to use the Spartan Warrior language. Instead of trying to develop an area that is not a strength, focus on the making your gifts stronger, and allow someone else to be strong in your areas of weakness. I do not need to be good at everything in ministry, no one will be. I need to focus on my gifts so that others can use theirs as well.

Men, what are your strengths? What areas are you gifted in? Where are you not as gifted? What do you do about these areas? Do you spend your time and energy to make your strengths stronger, so that they can be more beneficial? Or do you try to work on areas of weakness at the expense of your strengths? This does not mean spiritual disciplines, such as prayer or Bible intake. I am not suggesting that you should neglect one of these areas of weakness to focus on your stronger areas. I am talking about your gifts and skills. I was a decent wrestler, but a poor basketball player. I didn't focus my time in high school on my basketball skills, hoping to make varsity. Instead I poured myself into becoming a better wrestler, and enjoyed some success in the sport. What are your gifts? How will you strengthen them?

David fought Goliath with the tools he was familiar with, Saul fought battles in his armor with his sword. That is how it is meant to be.

Let us be men who strengthen our strengths. Let us allow others to be strong in our areas of weakness. Let us join our strengths together for teh expansion of the Kingdom.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Courage and Confidence

"Then Saul said to David, 'You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.' But David said to Saul, 'Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.' And David said, 'The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.'" 1 Samuel 17.33-37a

Eliab is not the only one who doesn't want David fighting Goliath. When David goes before Saul, the king is not willing to let him go out to fight. Saul points out that Goliath is a seasoned warrior, and David is just a boy. However, David is no stranger to combat. As a shepherd he was responsible to the protection of the sheep. Sheep have no natural defenses and are easy pickings for a predator like a lion or a bear, that is why they have a shepherd.

David tells Saul about the times when one of the sheep was taken, and David did what any good shepherd would do. He went after the lion or the bear, fought it and killed it, rescuing the sheep. He tells Saul that he has faced dangerous opponents before, and that this Philistine will be the same as the lion and bear that now lay dead. Goliath has insulted God, and David knows that God will deliver him from Goliath because he is standing up for God.

Men, we all face battles throughout our lives, and I believe that those small battles are preparation for when we must fight a giant. It started with a lion, then a bear, and then it becomes a nine and a half foot man. But just as God was with you, during the training battles, He will be with you against the giant. The smaller battles we face in life help us to learn to trust in God. They help us to learn how to fight and to develop the skills necessary to take on the giant. The training gives us the confidence in God to have the courage to fight, and slay, the giant.

Let us be men who fight the battles we encounter, learning to trust in God as we do. Let us be men who are willing to fight the giant because we know that God will be with us as we stand for Him. Let us be men or courage and confidence.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Opposition to Courage

"Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, 'Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.'" -1 Samuel 17.28

David has arrived in camp, heard Goliath's challenge, and is inquiring about why no one has accepted it. When his oldest brother hears what is going on, he is angry. His baby brother is willing to do what he is not, and his shame and fear come out in anger towards David. He tries to humiliate and insult David, because he has the courage to act where Eliab has not.

Men, when someone is willing to do what you are too afraid to attempt what is your reaction? Do you try and tear them down, as Eliab did, because they are willing to do something that you are not? The proper response should be one of support, and conviction. When others have the courage to act where we have not, we should rally behind them, not dissuade them from action.

What about when we are willing to act and we are challenged? Do we shrink back because others tell us it is impossible, or that we are crazy? Or do we stand firm in our convictions, knowing that something must be done?

Eliab was unwilling to fight the giant, but his little brother was. David's actions would make him look bad, and so he tries to shame him out of it. Fortunately for Israel, it didn't work. David went to the king, fought and killed the Giant, and delivered Israel.

Let us be men who do not shrink from the challenge, or the discouragement to face it. Let us be men who do not shame those who are willing to do what we are not.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

A True King

"He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, 'Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.' Again the Philistine said, 'I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.' When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid... David said to Saul, 'Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.'" -1 Samuel 17.8-11, 32

Israel is at war, once again, with the Philistines. The two camps are set up on opposite hill tops with a valley between them. Before an all out war unfolds, a single Philistine warrior, a champion named Goliath, steps forward with a challenge. The giant seeks to end the conflict with single combat, himself against Israel's best warrior, in a winner take all death match. Thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of lives will be saved from battle. Yet no one responds to his challenge for forty days, seeing it as a suicide mission.

Saul, the king, should have been the one to fight him. He was one of two Israelites with a sword, he stood head and shoulders above the rest, and he is the king. It was his job to make the people he lead safe by fighting the enemies of Israel. And yet Saul refuses to act like a king. He sits in camp, allowing this giant to insult Israel and God.

Enter David, the newly appointed king. his three oldest brothers have gone to fight with Saul's army, and their father has sent food with David who is to leave it and return with news. When he arrives and finds his brothers, Goliath comes forward with his challenge, and then does what a true king should do. His people are being humiliated and shamed. His God is being insulted and defied. A true king will not sit by and allow this to happen, he will fight this arrogant enemy.

Men, do you stand your ground? Do you allow the things that you care about to be insulted and verbally, or physically, abused as you do nothing? These are the actions of a coward, not a king. A true king will risk his life to defend those he leads, and to protect the honor of God.

Saul refused to act, but David, the newly anointed king, refused to sit by and allow this disgrace to continue. He steps up and does what a king must do.

Let us be men who act like kings. Let us stand up and defend our people. Let us stand up for God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Live the Part

"When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, 'Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.' But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" -1 Samuel 16.6-7

God has chosen His new king, and sends Samuel to anoint him as Israel's next king. He is told to go to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse, and to anoint one of his sons. When the oldest, Eliab, stands before him, Samuel believes that this must be the man. He is tall and accomplished, and even though his outward appearance is kingly, as was Saul's, his heart is not. God is not impressed with appearance or accomplishments, rather He looks at the character of a man. Each of Jesse's sons come before Samuel, and God passes on all of them.

Being a king means more than simply looking the part. Saul looked the part, but fell short with how he ruled. Jesse's first seven sons look the part, but God does not see in them the heart of a king. Looking through the past eight books of the Bible, who has God chosen? The youngest, the unequipped, the outcast, the foreigner, the least. God's picks are those that allow Him to work the most. He loves to come through for His people, and His choices in leadership reflect that it is only through Him that people are saved, rescued, and delivered.

Men, you may not look the part of a king, but it is the role God has called you to. You might not be the strongest, smartest, or most gifted, but a humble, noble, and faithful heart is worth more than all of those things. It is not about looking the part, but about living it, and that is what God is after in a king.

Let us be men who possess and inward character of heart that is pleasing to God. Let us be men, anointed by God to lead as kings. Let us live the part.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Only So Many Chances

"Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God at Gilgal.' Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.' Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.'" -1 Samuel 15.20-24

Saul has disobeyed God, and now that Samuel is confronting him about it and telling Him what God's judgment will be, he tries to justify it. He says that he obeyed God, but the people took some of the spoil to sacrifice it to God. When Samuel tells him that God's desire is for obedience, and that Saul has been rejected as king, he tries desperately to fix it. He admits his sin, but then blames the people for his actions. He is desperately trying to cling to power, but God is having none of it.

A king sets the example for his people, and Saul's model has been one of cowardice, irreverence, and disobedience. He has not acted like a king. He has let others fight battles for him, and will continue to, he has made sacrifices to God that he was not authorized to offer, and he has blatantly disobeyed God's commands. It has reached the point that God has had enough, and will now appoint a new king, who will act like a king.

Men, leaders only get so many chances. There is a high standard that leaders are held to, and judgment is coming. Do you want to be a leader that God rejects? Do you want to have power taken from you because you prove yourself to be unworthy of it? We only get so many chances.

Let us be men who lead others in faithful obedience. Let us not follow the example of Saul. Let us make our chances count.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

All Night

"And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the Lord all night." -1 Samuel 15.11b

God has informed Samuel of Saul's disobedience, and the regret He has over making him king. The news is distressing to Samuel, the Hebrew word is charah which means a burning anger. Samuel is furious about Saul's disobedience and it prompts him to a night of unending prayer. I imagine he spent the night seeking God's guidance as to what to do next. He turned to God, giving up sleep, seeking guidance.

Men, have you ever spent the entire night in prayer? When you're angry what is your first response? Do you fire off a text, or turn to God? Do you head down to the bar, or get down on your knees? When something infuriates you do you charge ahead without thinking, spouting off irrational statements, intended to do as much damage as possible, or do you seek God's guidance and the peace that He offers.

Samuel was angry, and yet his first response is to pray. He knows that something must be done, and so he pours himself into a night of seeking God about the proper course of action that must be taken. He will not fall into the same sin as Saul. Instead he will see God, and then diligently obey.

Let us be men who turn to God before we act. Let us be men who refuse to let anger guide our words and actions. Let us be men who are willing to pray all night.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

God's Regret

"'Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey'.... He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, 'I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.'" -1 Samuel 15.3, 8-11a

This is the final straw for Saul's reign. God is passing judgment on Amalek for his treatment of Israel on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and the command is to utterly destroy the people. Saul goes down and prepares for battle, achieves victory, and disobeys God. He spares the life of the king, as well as the best of the livestock. The text says they were not willing to destroy them. Saul was not willing to do all that God had said.

God sees Saul's actions, and He speaks to Samuel, telling him that He regrets His choice of Saul. Saul's actions of disobedience have cost him the favor of God.

Men, are you diligent to live obediently to God, or does your life bring God's regret? If God gives you a command, are you careful to fully obey it, or do you decide that you will serve God in a way other than He has instructed? Obedience is the only thing that pleases God.

Later, when Saul is confronted by Samuel, he tells him that the people took some of the best animals in order to offer them as sacrifice to God. Samuel then declares that God's desire is for obedience over sacrifice. Saul's actions have cost him his kingdom, let us be careful to guard our lives against the same actions and results.

Let us be men who diligently obey the words of God. Let us be men who faithfully do all that God commanded. May we never become men that God regrets giving power to.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Building a Team

"Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff."-1 Samuel 14.52

Saul's reign was full of war, verse 47 says that he is fighting his enemies on every side. One particular enemy, the Philistines, prove to be a constant adversary, and Saul is always looking for good fighters. Whenever he would find a strong or noble warrior, he would recruit him into service. Saul never stopped looking for warriors, because he always needed them. Whenever he found a man with a good skill set, he brought him on board.

When it comes to building a team to take on the enemy we are never done recruiting. The war is only getting more intense, and we can never have too many warriors standing beside us. We must constantly be on the lookout for people with useful skills and noble hearts.

Men, if you are a leader, the value of a strong team cannot be underestimated. Are you always on the lookout for good men to add to your team? Are you working to train and develop those already on your team? If you aren't in a leadership role just yet, are you the type of man a leader would want on their team? Are you working to develop your skills to be fully effective? Are you a man of character and integrity?

Saul needed a strong army because he was surrounded by enemies. He saw talent and recruited it, and as he did, he came closer to victory.

Let us be men who are worthy and useful team members. Let us be leaders who don't try to go it alone, but always work to make our team stronger.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

The Power of Victory

"Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. When all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, even they also pursued them closely in the battle. So the Lord delivered Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven." -1 Samuel 14.20-23

Saul hears a commotion in the Philistine camp, and wants to know who from Israel has made a move against the enemy. When he learns that his son has left the camp, he immediately prepares for battle in order to save his son. However, when they get to the fight, they see that there is no need for a rescue mission, simply reinforcements to continue the victory. Victory is a powerful motivator.

Everyone wants to be on the winning side. There were Hebrews who had sided with the Philistines, probably acting as their servants, thinking that all was lost for Israel and that it might go better for them if they defected early. But when they see that Israel is winning the day, they return to their own people and fight for freedom. Those who had deserted and hid themselves in the hills hear that Israel has won a battle, and come to aid their fellow soldiers.

When people have hope of victory they are willing to risk their lives. When men know that they are not simply throwing their lives away in a lost cause, some are willing to give their last. Victory brings more support, are we willing to fight for it?

Men, everyone wants to be on the winning side, but every side doesn't always start out as the winning side. Are you courageous enough to risk losing? The only way victory can be achieved is if we risk a loss. No team ever won by staying in the locker room. No army ever won by staying in the barracks. If we would have victory, we must be willing to risk everything. But if we have victory, others will join the cause.

Let us be men who take the risk. Let us be men who fight against all odds. Let us be men who watch God bring victory.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Teamwork

"His armor bearer said to him, 'Do all that is in your heart; turn yourself, and here I am with you according to your desire.' ... So the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor bearer and said, 'Come up to us and we will tell you something.' And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, 'Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hands of Israel.' Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor bearer behind him; and they fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer put some to death after him. That first slaughter which Jonathan and his armor bearer made was about twenty men within about half a furrow in an acre of land." -1 Samuel 14.7, 12-14

Jonathan has made himself available to God, and God has not rejected his offer of service. Jonathan throws out a fleece in order to know what God is instructing him to do, and God gives him victory over the Philistines. And Jonathan doesn't do it alone. He goes out with his armor bearer. He climbs with his armor bearer. He fights with his armor bearer. He is victorious with his armor bearer.

The Philistines call to the two of them, inviting them to come up so that they can teach these two Hebrews a lesson. And I imagine Jonathan was like, "Oh just you wait until I get up there." He arrives at the summit and begins going to work. Jonathan most likely went to work with is sword, cutting down any Philistine that came at him, then moving on to the next one. The armor bearer would then come behind, probably with Jonathan's spear, and kill those who had fallen. By working together, the two of them, kill about twenty men.

Men, there are times we will have to fight alone. There are battles find us, and no one is able to help us. However, this is not always the case, and I would dare to say that happens far more than it should. God created us to stand together, to fight side by side. He created us for teamwork. Our brothers may not always be physically with us when a fight comes our way, but they can be spiritually through prayer.

Let us be men who don't go it alone. Let us be men who realize that we need each other. When the opportunity is available to fight side by side let us courageously move forward together. But at all times, may we stand by each other in prayer. Let us be me who are engaged in teamwork.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Making Yourself Available

"Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, 'Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.'" -1 Samuel 14.6

The Philistines have gathered and are ready to fight Israel. Jonathan, one of the two men in the army with proper weapons, is not content to simply sit and wait for something to happen. Instead he takes his armor bearer and goes to see what God will do. He knows that God is not limited to using an army to save a people, and so he makes himself available for God to use however He decides to. Jonathan is willing to make himself available for God to do something with.

Nothing was happening simply sitting in camp. Saul is not taking any action to attack, simply sitting there with his men armed with farm tools. But Jonathan has a sword, and he is no longer content to simply wait for the attack. He isn't going to all out charge the line and be cut down, that would be foolish suicide. But he decides to see if God will use him by showing his willingness to be used.

Men, are you willing to be used by God? Are you making yourself available for His service? Or do you feel that because you are just one man, God does not have any use for you? Do you see an enemy waiting to strike, but refuse to be proactive because you are just an individual? God is not limited to using great numbers to do great things. The Bible has shown how He took Gideon's army of tens of thousands, and cut it down to 300. God doesn't need the numbers, He needs willing hearts.

Let us be men who are willing to serve. Let us be men who make ourselves available to God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Fight with what You Have

"Now no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, 'Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.' So all Israel went down to the Philistines, each to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, and his hoe. The charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares, the mattocks, the forks, and the axes, and to fix the hoes. So it came about on the day of battle that neither sword nor spear was found in the hands of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan, but they were found with Saul and his son Jonathan." -1 Samuel 13.19-22

There is not blacksmith in Israel because the Philistines did not want the men of Israel to be properly armed with for battle. The Bible says that the only men with swords and spears are Saul and Jonathan. The rest of the men were armed with farm tools, and when one of these tools needed to be sharpened or fixed the men of Israel had to pay a Philistine blacksmith to do it. But when the time to fight comes, the lack of proper weapons does not keep the men away, they fight with what they have.

When I was young I took karate, and while there I learned that the various weaponry used in martial arts (staff, sai, nunchuck, etc.) were all farm tools that were turned into weapons because it was what they had. The some of the final Spartans at Thermopylae gave their last killing Persians with their teeth and bare hands, because it was what they had. Whenever I am somewhere that isn't my house my mind will prepare for the worst case scenario. If something were to happen where I needed to fight, what is available for me to use? I am constantly taking a mental inventory of my surroundings so I know what is available. Lack of proper equipment does not excuse a man from service, it simply demands he make good use of whatever he has available.

Men, what do you have at your disposal? What skills do you have? What weapons are available? Are you willing to fight with what you have? Are you willing to take the mattock, axe, or hoe, and go to the battlefield because if you don't your family will be enslaved? Are you willing to use what you have to fight for freedom?

There is a war going on, and there will be times when we aren't properly armed for the fight. Are you willing to use whatever you have, or will you stay at home on the couch?

Let us be men who are willing to fight with whatever we have available. Let us not refuse to stand because we don't have the proper weaponry. Let us be men who stand against evil with what we have.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Overstepping Your Bounds

"Now the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance; and they came up and camped in Michmash, east of Beth-aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were hard-pressed), then the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, in cliffs, in cellars, and in pits. Also some of the Hebrews crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, 'Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.' And he offered the burnt offering." -1 Samuel 13.5-9

The Philistines have suffered a defeat at the hands of Saul's son Jonathan, and they aren't going to take it lying down. They assemble with chariots and cavalry, with foot troops beyond number, and come out to avenge the fallen garrison in Geba. The men of Israel see what they are up against and they begin to desert the army of Saul. The king takes notice that his numbers are dwindling and rather than rally them with a stirring speech the lights a fire in them to fight for Israel, which is his duty as king, he oversteps his bounds as king and takes the role of the prophet.
He offers a burnt offering to God that he is unfit to offer, and God's judgment is does not overlook even a king.

Samuel arrives on the scene the moment Saul is finished with the offering. He tells him that he has acted foolishly, and that it will ultimately cost him the kingdom. God was prepared to establish his line forever, but this act has revealed Saul's true heart. Saul did not live in obedience to God, and so God seeks a king who would.

We see Saul's failure to do what a king should do, and instead take on the role of another. He should have presented a Braveheart, Gladiator or Kingdom of Heaven style speech to his men. Instead he decides to take matters into his own hands, make a sacrifice, and go to battle. He takes the quick and easy path, and it costs him, and his descendants, dearly.

Men, even a king is subject to God's judgment, and even kings must follow the rules. Saul's decision cost his son the throne, and by extension, his life. He forfeited being part of the Messianic line because he he refused to do his job.

Let us never be guilty of the sin of Saul. Let us be men who know our role, and boldly play it, even if it isn't the easy way. May we never overstep our bounds.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Prayer and Instruction

"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way." -1 Samuel 12.23

In the midst of reminding the people of God's greatness, Samuel inserts this statement. He tells them that in spite of their evil, because of who God is, He will still be present with them if they will fully pursue Him. Samuel then tells them that he will not sin against God by no longer praying for the people. It is his role as God's chosen prophet to act as a mediator between God and the people. He does not have the authority to cease doing the job he has been given to do.

In addition to his prayers on their behalf, he will also teach them to follow God, living in a good and right way. He has opened his own life up to their scrutiny because he has lived in a way that warrants none to be given. Now he tells them that he will teach them to live the same way. He offers his prayers on their behalf because he has a relationship with God and his prayers are heard. He tells them he will instruct them to live holy and righteous lives, and he is able to because he has lived a holy and righteous life. He has lived well, and he offers what he has gained from that life for the benefit of the people.

Men, this is how it is meant to be. This is the way God intended it, a life well lived that is then invested into others so that their lives may be lived well. This is how the masculine journey is intended to unfold. Along the way we offer prayers on behalf of others. This is part of the role that God has given to men.

Let us be men who live well. Let us be men who offer our prayers and instruction.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Because of Who He is

"Samuel said to the people, 'Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile. For the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself... Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you." -1 Samuel 12.20-22, 24

The people have done evil in the sight of God. Samuel has opened his life up for inspection so that he can show them how they have failed to live righteously before God. The people have demanded a human king, and in so doing have rejected God as their king. They come to realize their sin, but Samuel assures them that God will not abandon His people because of who He is.

The people, though they now have a king, must still be faithful to God. Though they have a king to rule over them, God is still in charge. They are to follow Him diligently, serving Him with all their hearts. If they do not, they will pursue futile things that bring no lasting benefit or satisfaction. God will not abandon those who follow Him because of His name. Those who seek Him are His people, and God is pleased to make them his people. He will not discredit His name, a name of holiness and righteousness, but abandoning those He has promised to protect and provide for.

With this promise of God's presence is the repeated command, issued to the people since the time of Moses, fear the Lord and serve Him with all your heart. There is the call to think of everything that God has done if they need a reason to follow Him. Because of who God is, He will not abandon or forsake His people. It is not because they people are righteous, but because God is.

Men, do you faithfully serve God, or have you turned aside to futile things? Have you forsaken the pursuit of righteousness in pursuit of the next promotion? Have you given up attaining holiness in order to obtain material possessions? Do you seek to advance yourself in the world, or to grow into Christlikeness? It is because of who God is that the holy option is possible. It is because of who God is that you can forsake selfish living and seek holiness. Consider all that God has done and see if serving Him is not the best option.

Let us be men who live for the glory of God. Let us be men who live in humble gratitude for all that God has done. Let us be men who consider the great things God has done.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

A Righteous Life

"Here I am; bear witness against me before the Lord and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? I will restore it to you." -1 Samuel 12.3

Saul has been anointed king and has begun to do what kings do. Now Samuel addresses Israel and opens his life for their judgment. He asks if he has stolen any animal or cheated anyone. He asks if he has oppressed anyone or taken a bribe and distorted justice. He says that if he has then he will make it right, restoring what has been lost. He opens his life up to scrutiny because he knows he has lived righteously. No one can place any blame on him, and he is willing to open himself up to that because he knows there is nothing that could be pinned on him.

Men, what if your life looked like that? Are you willing to open yourself up to public scrutiny as Samuel did? What accusations would be brought against you? As men, and as leaders, it is important that we live righteous lives, that are willing to be opened to the public for inspection. A life that is willing to be opened shows that it has nothing to hide, that it is not ashamed, and that it has striven to live with justice and righteousness.

Let us be men who live righteous lives. Let us be willing to open ourselves up for inspection because we know nothing can be found.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

The Actions of a King

"Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen, and he said, 'What is the matter with the people that they weep?' So they related to him the words of the men of Jabesh. Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry... He numbered them in Bezek; and the sons of Israel were 300,000, and the men of Judah 30,000. They said to the messengers who had come, 'Thus you shall say to the men of Jabesh-gilead, "Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will have deliverance."' So the messengers went and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad... The next morning Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp at the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together." -1 Samuel 11.5-6, 8-9, 11

Saul is now king, and he receives word that some of his people are in danger. He doesn't sit idly by, letting them fend for themselves. Instead he becomes angry that some other nation has dared to threaten his people. He calls the men of Israel to arms and goes to the aid of Jabesh-gilead. He then leads the charge and defeats the enemy, making it safe for his people. That is what kings do.

The purpose of leadership is to protect and serve the people who follow you. When his subjects are threatened, a king must ride out and deal with the threat. A king is not given power to sit comfortably as his people struggle for life and liberty, it is his job, as king to provide them with the security and freedom to enjoy life.

Men, you were born to be a king. Some of you will lead large corporations, and some will lead a small business. Some of you may lead cities, or even nations, others will simply lead our families. But regardless of the size of the kingdom, the role of a king remains the same. As king you must protect and provide for your people.

Let us be kings who take action. Let us ride to the defense of our people. Let us make the world a safer place for them.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

What the Enemy Seeks to do to Men

"Now Nahash the Ammonite came up and besieged Jabesh-gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, 'Make a covenant with us and we will serve you.' But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, 'I will make it with you on this condition, that I will gouge out the right eye of every one of you, thus I will make it a reproach on all Israel."

The enemy is afraid of real men, because real men are powerful and dangerous. When real men are resolved to do something it is very difficult to stop them. In an attempt to control men, the enemy, and the world, seek to either distract or emasculate them. Pharaoh tried the first part of that tactic to keep Israel from following Moses. "Let the labor be heavier on the men, and let them work at it so that they will pay no attention to false words." (Exodus 5.9, see the post form May 10, 2014 "Buried with Work"). That tactic didn't work so well as Israel is currently in possession of the Promised Land. When that tactic fails the enemy will try another one that is more deadly.

The Ammonites attack Jabesh-gilead, and the men seek to surrender. The leader, Nahash, is willing to accept their surrender, but only by shaming them and making sure they can never rise against him. He will make peace with them only after he has put out the right eye of the men. In our present world this might seem like a mere painful inconvenience, but back them it would have been truly emasculating.

Most people were/are right handed, and in the ancient world where hand to hand combat was the only way of fighting, the right eye is essential to a right handed warrior. A warrior could hide behind his shield, peering out around the edge with is right eye, allowing him to be able to fight while still keeping most of his head protected behind his shield. A man with no right eye cannot maintain the same level of safety. To take the right eye of a right handed warrior is ultimately to make him useless as a warrior. That is what Nahash sought to do, and that is what the enemy seeks to do still.

Men, you possess God given strength and power that the enemy does not want you to understand, develop, or use. He is going to do whatever he can to keep you from fighting back. At first he'll try something civil, like keeping you busy so that you can't become the man you were created to be. When that fails he becomes more violent and will seek to take you out of commission and make you useless as a warrior. When we compromise and come to terms with the enemy, we allow ourselves to be blinded in our right eye.

Let us be men who refuse to make peace with the enemy. Let us accept nothing less than total victory over him. Let us die in battle before we give up our right eye and become useless in the fight.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Courage to Lead

"Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, 'Has the man come here yet?' So the Lord said, 'Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.'" -1 Samuel 10.20-22

The time has come for Saul's public declaration as Israel's king. Samuel gathers the nation and begins the lot casting process to reveal God's choice. The lot falls to Benjamin, then the Matrite family, and finally on Saul the son of Kish. The issue is that Saul is no where to be found. He has already been chosen by God privately, and experienced the truth of Samuel's words. But when the time comes for everything to become official in the eye's of the people, he is no where in sight.

I don't know why Saul hid. Maybe he was scared of being king. He was from the smallest tribe of Israel, and the lest family in the tribe (1 Samuel 9.21). But even so, he stood out among the people. He was head and shoulders over them, and has a heritage of valor and bravery (1 Samuel 9.1). He has experienced the power and presence of God's Spirit in his life, but now that it is time to take up the leadership he has been called to, he hides. Maybe he felt overwhelmed by the responsibility, but whatever the reason he is not present at the ceremony.

This causes certain, worthless men, to despise him. No leader is going to have the love and support of everyone, no matter how good of a leader they are. But our actions can dissuade some from following us who would have. If God has called us to leadership, and affirmed that call, then we must have the courage to lead, knowing that He will be with us.

Men, as a man you have been called to leadership. God has called you to be an example of His strength, justice, and love, in both your family, and also the world. It is a big calling, and many choose to hide from it. Let us not be found among the baggage.

Let us be men who have the courage to lead.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Spirit Guided Freedom

"Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man. It shall be when these signs come to you, do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you." -1 Samuel 10.6-7

Saul has been anointed king by Samuel, and now the prophet is telling him what will take place to confirm what has happened. He tells him that the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon him and that he will be a changed man. When that happens he is to do whatever the occasion demands, and that God will be with him. Again there is this language, of the Spirit coming upon someone for a purpose. When the Spirit is guiding our actions we are free to do what the occasion requires.

The Spirit transforms and empowers us, and this is essential for a king. A king who is not full of the Spirit of God is not guided by Him to live selflessly as a servant of the people. A king who is not full of the Spirit of God does not always act justly and righteously. If anyone is going to undertake godly leadership the presence of the Spirit is essential. Saul is the Lord's anointed king, and the sign of this is the presence of the Spirit in His life.

Men, have you changed since you came to faith in Christ? If the Holy Spirit is present in you life there should be a noticeable change in your demeanor and actions. If the Spirit is guiding your life, there is a new found freedom in your life. I once heard it said this way, "Love God. Love others. Do what you want." This is the freedom that a Spirit guided life has. If I truly love God, then everything I do will be motivated by my love for God, and it will flow naturally out of that love. The Bible is clear that if I do not love people, then I cannot love God (1 John 4.20). So by truly loving God I will naturally love people. When my life is guided by the genuine love of the Spirit, I am free to do whatever is needed, because my actions are based on true, self-sacrificial, love.

The Spirit of God brings freedom to act, because the Spirit of God brings the freedom and power of God's love to our lives.

Let us be men who are full of the Spirit. Let us be men who truly love. Let us be men who are free in the Spirit.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Looking the Part

"Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people." -1 Samuel 9.1-2

Saul would become the first king of Israel, and outwardly he has all the makings of a king. He is the descendant of a hero, a mighty man of valor. He stands out, as the most handsome man in Israel. He stands head and shoulders above everyone else. To top it off he is from the tribe of Benjamin, so he is a bit of an underdog, and a man of the people. If physical appearance, stature and heritage were the makings of a king then Saul had it all. But there is more that makes a king than simply what he looks like and who his family is.

Saul's reign, as we'll see, is full of paranoia, failure, and drifting from God. The things that set him apart at the beginning do not translate into action when he enters power. A king must do more than simply look the part, he must rise to play it. A king is not determined by what he looks like, but what he does.

Men, do you look the part of a King? Are you well groomed with a solid last name? Do you stand out? What is your motivation to rule? How have you wielded power before? What makes you fit to rule? There is more to a king than what he looks like or who his father is. Looking the part may help you get to power, it may even help you hold on to some support for a while, but if kingship only goes skin deep, everything will shortly fall apart.

Let us be men who live the part, not just look it to seize power. Let our lives be dedicated to the service and betterment of others. Let us be and live the part.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Who is Your King

"Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and they said to him, 'Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations.' ... The Lord said to Samuel, 'Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them... Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall solemnly warn them and tell them of the procedure of the king who will reign over them.' Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, 'No, but there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.' Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the Lord’s hearing. The Lord said to Samuel, 'Listen to their voice and appoint them a king.'" -1 Samuel 8.4-5, 7, 9, 19-22a

Israel knows the condition of Samuel's sons, and they want nothing to do with their leadership. They know that they need a leader, and so they ask Samuel to appoint a king over them. The request is disturbing to Samuel, so he turns to God in prayer. God tells him to give the people a king, and that it is not a rejection of Samuel, but of God Himself. God is the King, Samuel is just His representative, and the people are seeking a new king. God instructs Samuel to warn them of all that a king will do, how he will take what they have to make himself comfortable, and how they will become his servants, but the warning falls on deaf ears. They demand a king, and God permits Samuel to appoint one.

One of the only sermons I remember my dad preaching is from this passage. He shared his testimony, and the various kings he followed in his life. Humans are created beings. The universe existed before any of us were born, and it will be here after we are gone. God existed before the universe, and He will be around long after it has been made new. God is the King, and yet time and again we enslave ourselves to something physical and temporal.

God permits us to pledge ourselves to other kings because He is not a tyrannical dictator. He gives us the power, and the freedom, to choose, and allows us to make our own decisions about whom we will serve, but He sends us out with a warning. He is a good king, and he offers life, peace, meaning, and love. Apart from Him there is death, shame, emptiness, and longing. He warns us, but allows us to go if we choose.

Men, we all have a king, who is yours? Alcohol? Porn? Money? Approval? Success? God? You get to decide where your allegiance lies. Alcohol and porn will consume you and leave you unfulfilled. Money will never satisfy. Approval can't fill the emptiness inside, nor can success. But God offers real life, a life that requires all of us, but a life that fulfills and satisfies as nothing else ever could. Who is your king?

Let us be men who refuse to serve any created thing. Let our allegiance be pledged only to the true King. Let us faithful serve God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

The Work of God

"And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice." -1 Samuel 8.1-3

Samuel is old, and he knows that he cannot continue as Israel's judge forever. He appoints his sons to take his place so that Israel will not be leaderless. However, his sons are not righteous men. They don't live as Samuel does. They take the position of power, but not for the purpose of serving and bettering the lives of the people. They take it and realize that there is the potential for them to become rich and comfortable. They are bought off and don't act justly.

Samuel didn't have a relationship with his biological father, he was raised by Eli in the temple. Both of Eli's sons were worthless men, because Eli wasn't involved in their lives as he should have been. Samuel learned by watching Eli. The end of chapter 7 tells of Samuel's ministry, how he would go on a circuit each year, and then return home where he had an altar built. The text doesn't tell us how he was at as a father, but if I had to guess, I'm betting he followed Eli's example. The work of God took him from his family, and, based on the results, seems to have been his primary focus.

What would have happened if he had taken his sons along on his circuit ride? He might have, we aren't told either way, but what if his main focus was on investing in his sons and raising them to be godly leaders? In the next verse we see that the people of Israel are aware of the actions of Samuel's sons, and they ask for a king. His sons are not like him, and the people know it.

Men, are you investing in your children? Or do they take a backseat to your career? I've known many pastor's kids who grow up angry at the church because it took their father away from them. They want nothing to do with God because their dad was never around. How many sports orphans are there? How many dad's are just "too busy" working on their own thing to invest in their kids?

Someone else can do your job. Someone else can do the work of the church. Your sports hero will get by without your support. But no one else can be a father to your children. Being a father is the most important work God has given you to do.

Let us be men who invest in our families. Let us be men who teach our children to love and serve God. Let us be men who do the work of God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor