April 20th~The Good Fight

2 Samuel 2:1-3:5


1 Chronicles 3:1-4a


2 Samuel 23:8-17


1 Chronicles 11:10-19

2 Samuel 23:18-39


1 Chronicles 11:20-47

After King Saul’s death, David moved his family and followers to Hebron, in the land of Judah. The leaders there crowned him King of Judah. Notice that David did not ask to be crowned; rather, he waited on the Lord’s timing. However, those who remained loyal to Saul crowned his son Ishbosheth King. Thus, for a short period, there were two kings and, consequently, civil war between their armies. Still, David did not rush to conquer his competition but waited for the Lord to defeat his enemies.

In the meantime, David married four more times, for a total of six wives; by these women, six sons were born. We are not given any background on three of David’s wives, nor are we told why God allowed these marriages. Polygamy (multiple wives) is one of the great mysteries of the Old Testament. It is contrary to God’s standard for marriage — one man and one woman for life — and, yet, He allowed and even blessed it in some cases (i.e. Abraham, Jacob). The New Testament reiterates the single spouse standard. Any other options would dissolve the illustrative aspect of marriage, that of being a picture of Christ (the groom) and His Church (the bride).

We also read a list of David’s warriors today, his “mightiest men.” I particularly enjoyed visualizing the exploits of the Big Three — Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah — as well as Benaiah, the commander of David’s bodyguard, and the rest of the Thirty. While there were many people who followed David and thousands who were loyal to him, these men were noted for their conspicuous deeds, their courageous actions against the enemy. To be considered a mighty man in David’s army was quite an honor. To be counted among the throng of the Giant Killer was to be the best of the best. They were fighting the good fight in the Lord’s army.

Daily Reflection

The author of Hebrews included a similar list in his book (11:1-40). We call it the Hall of Faith, men and women who were noted for their conspicuous deeds, particularly their trust in the Lord. All of them were “mighty warriors” in the army of God, fighting the good fight of faith.

Are you fighting the good fight of faith? Would you be listed among God’s mighty and brave? Why or why not?

You might think that you have done nothing noteworthy in your life, at least nothing to be mentioned in a list like the Hall of Faith. Well, neither have I; but, I have good news for us both. If you have surrendered your life to Christ, you are in the Lord’s army. If you are in the Lord’s army, which is today engaged against the enemy, then you are in the fight! Now then, how you engage the enemy is up to you.

Take up your spiritual armor, bombard your enemy through prayer, charge at his forces with the sword of Scripture and with your testimony of salvation, and serve the King faithfully. If you do these things (and you can), you will have fought the good fight, and the King will say to you one day, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

BiAY.org | Day 110 — 255 Days to Go