In War, Some People are Emboldened

Photo by Richard deal Cruz

Scripture: 1 Samuel 31:8-13

It came about on the next day when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa.  They cut off his head and stripped off his weapons, and sent them throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people.  They put his weapons in the temple of Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.  Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there.  They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

Insights: Yesterday we discussed how some people lose heart because of war.  There is another group, however, that becomes emboldened because of war.  In other words, these people understand the cause is more important than their own lives.  They see the long view of what is at stack and are willing to face an insurmountable enemy in order to do what is right.  I think about the battle of the Alamo.  These soldiers knew they were going to lose their lives against Santa Anna’s troops.  They also knew, however, that the troops of the Texas army needed more time to converge in order to face Santa Anna’s army.  So, they stood their ground at the Alamo and were emboldened to fight even harder and longer than any thought possible to give more time.  The same is true in the spiritual army.  There have been men like Tyndale who were emboldened to stand his ground for the advancement of the Bible.  He knew the Bible needed to be printed in volume and in the language of the common people.  He paid a significant price, his life, for this belief.  Beloved, the only One who can embolden our spirit is the Lord God Himself.  Walk resolutely with Him and draw from His strength.  Watch Him do great things through you.

Questions:

1. Would others describe your character as one being emboldened by the Lord?

2. Do you desire to have that kind of reputation?

Prayer: Father, I desire to be known as a valiant warrior in Your kingdom.  Strengthen my heart and embolden me to acts of courage for Your name’s sake.  May my life bring You glory and honor.  Amen.

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