This chapter contains an account of “David’s mighty men” who joined him (or were with him) in Ziklag (the Philistine city).
“And some of the men of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. David went out to meet them and said to them, ‘If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.’ Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said, ‘We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.’ Then David received them and made them officers of his troops.” (v16-18)
This chapter reads like a ledger of great warriors, like something out of Lord of the Rings. It describes some attributes of these valiant and skilled warriors who can use slings and bows to the highest degree of skill (and ambidextrously, which is quite impressive).
This band of brothers starts out well, partnering in service to the God of Israel. We learned yesterday that things don’t always end up in alignment with God’s leading, though these people did have the best of intentions. The Benjaminites are specifically mentioned, probably because Saul is from their tribe. Interestingly these men would rather serve David and “his God”, rather than their kinsman Saul.
I recently read an article that details how we often model ourselves after those with whom we spend time. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn was quoted as saying: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Darren Hardy writes in The Compound Effect: “According to research by social psychologist Dr. David McClelland of Harvard, [the people you habitually associate with] determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure in life.” There’s also the old idiom “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Cor 15:33).
If we assume for a moment that all of those things are true, that we become like the people we spend time with, and they have a massive affect on our lives, then we should carefully choose our influential friends (the people we allow to impact our lives).
The Benjaminites and Judeans chose to partner with David, who was known to be a God honoring person. Who are we connecting with and patterning ourselves after? My encouragement for today is to become best friends with people who can mentor us in Christ and can help shape us into being better Christ followers. Of course we can have other friends and acquaintances who are not Christ followers, otherwise there wouldn’t be opportunities for evangelism, but those relationships should not be allowed to conform us to this world (see Rm 12:1-2).
Father God, our Great and Mighty King, Lord of Heaven and Earth, holy is Your name. Thank you for the gift of examples – Your word, and our lives are filled with many examples of Christ-honoring, or Christ-dishonoring behavior. Holy Spirit please help us to discern people of good influence, and those who would teach us the Father’s ways. Please guide our feet toward wisdom, and work through us to uphold those around us as well. Father please pour out Your power and love in ways that those around us may see Your glory, and praise Your holy name. In the name of Jesus, the greatest example we could ask for, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training