David’s Mighty Army

When God had rejected Saul from being King over Israel, Saul sought to destroy David. When David saw that Saul was determined to slay him, he fled. With him went 400 men who became David’s army. When we think of an army we think of people that would be reliable, trustworthy and courageous and perhaps well known. But David’s men were none of these things, they were the misfits of society. They had overwhelming problems. “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.” (I Samuel 22:1-2) These were the type of men that were with David as he endured two assaults by Saul and when he battled the Philistines. These men were also with David when he finally became King of Israel. The Bible says that many of these men went on to become truly courageous and valiant and their names became well known.

When Jesus robed himself in flesh and came to earth, He did not choose the wise, well known and courageous men on this earth. He chose people who were fishermen and unlearned, a tax collector, who was hated and others who were not the chosen of society. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27) With these 12 men He began to spread the gospel. The Bible says that many of us were not the chosen of society, “but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Corinthians 6:9)

David’s army became great under his leadership and example. Because they were willing to follow the example of David their discontent became contentment, fearfulness became courage and their deeds became known. We were all unrighteous, and have had difficulties and problems in our lives. We were discontented, fearful, in debt or in distress, but we also have a great leader whose example we can follow, Jesus Christ. In the New Testament every time Jesus encountered someone he asked them to “follow me.” When we follow His example and stay under His leadership, we too can become courageous, valiant and do wonderful deeds for the Kingdom of God.

For My King and His Kingdom