I was at work thinking about a situation presented to me when the Lord dropped the following story in my heart. It’s based on 2 Samuel 21:15-17.
Yes, we know David was famous for killing Goliath. Over the years, he had engaged in numerous battles. However, the battle that rests on my heart today is the one that nearly cost David his life. During King David’s last time in combat, he and his army fought a familiar foe, the Philistines. David was fighting a giant named Ishbi-benob, which happened to be a descendant of Goliath.
At this point in King David’s life, he was well-seasoned in age and battle experiences. Still, he found himself in a situation unlike any other battle. David was fighting, but he was getting tired. Ishbi-benob had said he would kill David. But Abishai, a fellow soldier from David’s army, stepped in, killed the giant, and saved David. After the battle, King David’s men said he shouldn’t go out again with the army to fight. They didn’t want “the lamp of Israel to be extinguished.” He accepted the analysis and suggestion.
This blessed me. When the Lord dropped this story in my heart, I was contemplating what to do about a situation presented to me at work. Instantly, I understood the story’s meaning in connection with the decision before me.
David was accustomed to being in warrior mode. He’d been fighting since he was young. But this time, he had lost his edge. He was allowed to see that it was time to retire from hand-to-hand combat. He would continue fighting but not from the front lines.
There are times when we are so used to doing a thing – it’s like second nature. There’s no need for training or a refresher when it’s a part of you. But then there are times when you realize there’s an unexpected deficit.
David and his men found out that he didn’t have what it took anymore to be out there fighting. Thank God for Abishai, who finished the job David started. But the assessment after the dust settled was clear – it was time for David to step down from that particular part of his life. He’d done the job well when he did it. He’d fulfilled that aspect of his God-given assignment, and now it was time to let others function in that capacity. And boy, David’s men were skilled warriors just like their leader. Abishai and Elhanan, who killed the brother of Goliath in another battle, were two examples.
I’m grateful for the reminder that every opportunity presented to you to do something you’ve been doing for years may not be the best thing for you now. There comes a time to disengage from the nitty-gritty of a thing but step back, let the Abishais’ of life step in, and have David continue functioning from a different perspective.
15 Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.16 And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. 2 Samuel 21:15-17 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)