We all want to be mighty men and women for the Lord.
We turn on our television, and we see televangelists standing in their churches filled with ten-thousand worshippers. The songs on the screen rise in praise to our Father, and we feel their connection with God.
Yet these same men and women spend hours on their knees, making that connection with God. Commanding the Lord’s army is more than standing on the battle line amid pomp and circumstance, with a band playing and flags waving in the breeze. It’s also about raising our swords and risking life and limb to make the way easier for other people.
Benaiah was one of David’s Mighty Men. He was the son of Jehoiada and in command of David’s army. He held a position of power. He was the televangelist of his day, giving direction to his people, and leading them to victory in the name of the Lord. He was also David’s chief bodyguard, a warrior filled with courage and bravery. We have stories recorded that he killed an Egyptian with the man’s own spear. When Solomon became king, 1 Kings 4:4 tells us that “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the army.”
Benaiah was a true soldier of the king, respected and serving from the reign of one king into another.
Not all Benaiah’s duties were glorious. When David’s son revolted, in 1 Kings 2:24-25, the new king Solomon had David’s son Adonijah executed by Benaiah’s hand.
We all want to command God’s army, for there is power and glory and status in the job. Yet, we must remember these men and women are great only because they are willing to give themselves wholly to the Lord. It’s not just the ceremonies where they receive commendations for their victories on the battlefield. They must first survive the battle.
Let’s give a shout of exclamation to those who lead throngs to Christ. If we had their position, we might decide we didn’t want it. It looks grand when that evangelist stands before her crowd of thousands, but look closely at her knees. They are calloused and worn from the hours she spends in fervent prayer before the Lord.
There’s a price we pay when we lead the Army of the Lord. Let’s be careful what we wish for, because as that old adage says, we might just get it. Leaders lead on their knees, and the limelight is only a small part of the big picture.
When we fall to our knees, we stand tall in Christ.
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