By Rev Felix Meduoye
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.1 (Chronicles 28:20)
Introduction
There are great men in the Bible, who possess noble characters that endeared them to God. These men include among others: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Job and Daniel. We can a few things from them, bearing in mind that they were men like us.
Courage
Courage is an essential currency for trading in God’s kingdom. A man or woman without courage is likely to fall by the way side. Christian’s journey on earth is not an easy adventure. There are adversaries everywhere, who are out to derail God’s plan for your life. You can overcome through godly courage.
When God was to appoint successor to Moses, he impressed on him to be of good courage. Joshua 1: 6,7. Lets not forget that Joshua and Caleb were the two out of the twelve spies that went to the Promise Land, who did not bring back terrifying report. Caleb the people before Moses, and said, let us go up at once, and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13: 30.
After the initial timidity, Moses confronted Pharaoh on the need to allow the Jews living in Egypt to have their freedom. It takes courage for Moses to confront the Egyptian magicians and matching power for power. Because of Gods backing and Moses’ courage, the rod of Moses swallowed all the rods of the magicians in Egypt.
David who was ordained of God to replace the first King in Israel demonstrated uncommon courage when he confronted Goliath. The man was the army general of the Philistines. He threatened the Jews at will and everyone runs for safety. But a day came, as a teenager, David must have said to himself that he cannot take this nonsense anymore. He told his parents of his desire to confront the Goliath, the braggart. The parents and brothers thought that David must be out of his mind. They discouraged him from venturing to go and fight the man who represented the face of the enemy.
When King Saul could not discourage him from fighting the war, he gave David his own instrument of war. Unfortunately, the gadgets were too heavy for young David to carry. He went with just catapult and pebbles. The young and bold David defeated Goliath to the admiration of the Israelites.
Meekness
To be meek is to be overly submissive and domicile at the height of provocation. Jesus Christ is our perfect example. The enemies of the Kingdom spat on Him and crowned Him with a crown of thorns just to deride his Messianic status. He did not utter a word in response.
David is described as a meek person in the Bible. “Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah to the king, why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray you, and take off his head.” II Samuel 16: 9-14. David responded calmly and told the speaker, who wanted to become an avenger, to please ignore the tantrum of Shimei, the son of Gera, insulting King David.
Abraham can also be described as a meek fellow. Genesis 13: 8. When there were arguments between Lot’s herdsmen and those of Abraham on grazing rights, Abraham gave Lot, the right of the “Right of First Refusal.” Abraham never strive with anyone.
Heroic Faith in God
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1,2. God does not deal with men and woman who do not have well-grounded faith. God asked Abraham to leave his parents’ home in Ur, and go to an unknown place. Abraham obeyed without questioning God.
He trusted God for a biological child up and until God answered the prayers. When his Isaac came and he had was told to offer him as sacrifice to God, he did not argue with God. Faith requires that a believer does what God says despite our feelings, knowledge or personal preferences.
Noah was asked to build an ark when God wanted to destroy the then known world. Noah obeyed God even there were no traces of rain or flood. The problem of human race is the tendency to doubt God’s word; man prefers to rely on his intellect and sight. We are often moved by our feelings.
Reverence for God
To fear God is to have reverence for Him and His Name. Of course any one who have reverential fear, will not trivialise God’s word. To reverence God is to worship and praise Him. We are to keep our body holy and serve God acceptably.
A Call to take a Decision
Beloved, have you entered into personal relationship with Jesus Christ by accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour? If you have not, you need to do so without delay. Inviting and accepting Jesus Christ into your life is the beginning of a glorious and eternally rewarding relationship with God, your Creator. It is a decision you can never regret as you walk with Him faithfully and consistently for the rest of your life. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today by acknowledging that you are a sinner. God sent Jesus Christ to die for you and as you confess your sins to Him, He will forgive you so that you will not have to be punished for the same. Ask Jesus Christ to cleanse your heart with His precious blood, deliver you from sin and Satan and empower you by the Holy Spirit to henceforth live above sin and live totally for God. You can write and share your testimony via [email protected]