Churching Men
God uses us, where He will, to build His Kingdom. We may not understand until later, but His Grace weaves exquisite patterns. God pours His Glory into obedient lives. Dare to be a part of His Plans.
Mission
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV).
Sooner or later, a new convert becomes a mature saint. The comforts of being fed and nurtured, should give way to bringing up a new cohort of saints. At that moment, it becomes necessary to help them launch out into the Gospel fields.
Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David’s men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:2-3 KJV)?
David’s men knew the skill and might of the Philistines. Fighting defensive battles on home territory is one thing, attacking a “superior” foe is another. God’s direction to David and his men was clear in its purpose, but not certain in its outcome.
The deep water of God’s Purpose can be scary, even for veterans. It should come as no surprise that your men may have their faith stretched in fulfilling their mission. It’s important that you help them execute that Great Commission of Matthew 28: 19-20.
Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah (1 Samuel 23:4-5 KJV).
David’s 400 men, once the desperate and broken, are transformed into hope and salvation. They fight with the hardened armies of the Philistines and were wildly victorious. Their promise, hidden when they arrived at Adullam, is now plainly visible to everyone.
Courageous men are usually not fearless men. Courage can be defined as “personal strength greater than personal fear.” The men of your local church or ministry are capable of great Kingdom work. Still, they may need a little encouragement and exhortation to get going.
It may even be necessary for their captain to share his own courage and wisdom with the men.
David never hesitated to consult with God. He always called out to Jehovah-Shammah, the God who is there, when his own reserves and resources seemed too little. God’s Power and Grace flows through willing vessels, changing everything.
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