Jim Gallagher

2 Samuel 23:8
“These are the names of the mighty men whom David had…”

David was a man mightily used by God. Although he started his journey walking alone into the valley to fight the giant, he did not remain alone. David’s faith was magnetic, and he was soon surrounded by men of great faith. This chapter tells the story of some of the men who surrounded the king. Among those listed are:

* Adino – He had killed eight hundred men at one time.

* Eleazar – He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day.

* Shammah – He stationed himself in the middle of a field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

* Three mighty men – broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem and brought it to David.

* Abishai – He lifted his spear against three hundred men.

* Benaiah – He killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day; and he killed an Egyptian, a spectacular man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand; so he went down to him with a staff, wrested the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.

With heroic faith, these men stepped out, risking their own lives, for the furtherance of the Kingdom. Living like that, they had an impact upon their generation, and upon every generation that followed. Countless Christians have been encouraged in the work of the Lord, by the faith of David’s mighty men. They are an example of living recklessly for the Kingdom of God.

As I read their stories, two things happen within me. First, I am encouraged, second I am challenged. It is the challenge I would like to bring before you. Take a moment to examine your life. What are you doing for the Kingdom? When is the last time you took a risk, of any kind, in the service of Christ? Perhaps you need to recklessly approach your personal sanctification, using the Sword of the Spirit to cut out some things that do not belong. Perhaps it is time to examine the use of your time, and enlist yourself in service for the King. Whatever the case, when this life, which is like a vapor, comes to an end, we want to be on a list as one of the mighty men.

Pastor Jim