by Prisca | 30 July 2021 08:46 pm07
David was a king surrounded by some of the most skilled and valiant warriors in Israel. These warriors were organized into three distinct groups: the first and most elite group had three soldiers, the second group had two, and the third consisted of 37 warriors (2 Samuel 23:8-39, NIV).
If you want to explore their full story and the extent of their bravery, you can follow the detailed accounts in Scripture…
Today, we’ll focus briefly on one of the three mighty warriors Eleazar and the powerful spiritual message conveyed through his courage.
Eleazar son of Dodo was one of David’s elite three mighty warriors. There was an occasion when they faced a massive Philistine army (2 Samuel 23:9-10, ESV). At that moment, all Israel had fled except Eleazar his comrades were nowhere to be found. Yet, he stood his ground. This highlights his faith and courage in God’s strength rather than relying on numbers or human support.
Holding his sword tightly, Eleazar fought the Philistines alone, much like Samson did (Judges 15). Despite exhaustion, he refused to release his grip; the Bible describes his hand as “frozen to the sword” (ESV). This imagery powerfully symbolizes unwavering commitment and divine empowerment.
Eventually, his strength failed, but his weapon remained as if glued to his hand showing how God supernaturally sustained him (2 Samuel 23:10, NIV). Through Eleazar’s faith and persistence, God granted a great victory. When the rest of the army returned, their role was merely to collect the spoils of this one-man victory.
This passage teaches us that when we steadfastly cling to God’s purpose, He clings to us, empowering us to fulfill His divine plan.
When you pursue God’s purpose with all your heart and diligence, that purpose will likewise pursue and sustain you. This is a spiritual principle rooted in God’s nature He never abandons those who faithfully follow Him.
Even in exhaustion, God’s purpose remains attached to us, empowering us to persevere. This explains why true servants of God don’t grow weary of their calling despite hardships and lack of earthly rewards. Though they experience fatigue and trials, God’s purpose prevents them from falling away.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV) assures us:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This promise highlights that God supplies supernatural strength to those who place their hope and trust in Him. Like Eleazar, we receive divine power to accomplish God’s purposes despite human limitations.
Conversely, when believers are inconsistent wavering between following God and worldly influences they risk losing this divine strength. Without genuine commitment, God’s empowering presence may withdraw as He respects our free will.
Many Christians start their faith journey zealously, but some lose fervor over time due to hardships or unfavorable circumstances. The problem is not God’s faithfulness but their own wavering faith.
Paul encourages believers in Philippians 1:6 (ESV):
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
God never abandons the work He begins in us. He understands the various seasons of our spiritual journey and promises to provide the strength needed if we remain determined to walk with Him.
Have you truly committed to following Christ? If not, now is the time to repent and turn away from sin. Receive baptism by full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ, as instructed in Matthew 28:19, and receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This marks the beginning of a new life empowered by God to fulfill His purposes.
Remember: Those who are saved by God and walk in His strength will not be overcome by the world (John 16:33).
Shalom.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/07/30/extra-strength-in-clinging-to-gods-purpose/
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