Lion Chaser
Today’s Verse:
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: ~2 Samuel 23:20
There is a syndicated program entitled “Storm Chasers,” which is about people who bravely chase after tornadoes and very dangerous storms. With camcorders, cameras, and other video equipment in hand, they track the devastating path of these storms. There is much risk involved on the part of these storm chasers, but the end result is the capturing-on-video of a storm in progress. This morning, we are considering another kind of risky chaser: lion chasers. This morning, we are considering the life of a man named Benaiah.
We see a lion chaser and his RACE.
What influenced Benaiah to become a hero? I believe the family he grew up in had the greatest influence. First, his grandfather was “a valiant man of Kabzeel.” His grandfather was a man of great heroism; who, in his area of Kabzeel, was a legend of his own making. Kabzeel means “God gathers.” Benaiah’s father was Jehoiada, who in his own right possessed some of the characteristics of his father. His name means “Jehovah knows.” Benaiah’s name means “Jehovah has built.” Pulling this together, we see that God is building men that He knows will be needed at the most critical times. Are you allowing God to build you up for a needed purpose?
We see a lion chaser and his RARITY.
Benaiah was a one-of-a-kind man. In most cases, men have to defend themselves from a lion attack. Benaiah went down and slew a lion in a pit. He went looking for a lion to kill. He did what others said was not possible. He did what others did not have the courage to do. The surrounding circumstances had no bearing on his decision. However, men like Benaiah are rare. They are like a needle in a haystack. Men of great faith and vision are men who are rare. They set the standard and raise the bar. They never say, “It can’t be done.” They get it done!
We see a lion chaser and his RESOLVE.
First, he slew two lion-like men of Moab. Then, he went down and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in the time of snow. He took down two very strong and fierce men. He challenged these two warriors of Moab and took them out. When he took on the lion, he went down into a pit on a snowy day. The odds were against a victory that day. A lion in a pit is a trapped animal that instinctively will claw its way out for survival. In addition, a snowy day indicates conditions that are very cold, slippery, and susceptible to imbalance when fighting. However, Benaiah had such faith and resilience that he went down into the pit to kill the lion. Lion chasers are winners and champions. They pursue with the idea of overcoming. Is there a lion-like situation in your life that will require unusual faith and resilience to conquer?
We see a lion chaser and his REWARD.
Benaiah was a dependable and faithful man. When David’s son Adonijah attempted an overthrow of David, Benaiah was at David’s side. When Solomon became king, Benaiah was promoted to general over the entire military. Benaiah was a man who was epic in nature. It was an easy decision to promote him to take Joab’s place. As a lion chaser, he proved that he was willing to take on any and all challenges without fear or reservation. Lion chasers are always rewarded for their faith, heroism, and loyalty.
Every generation needs a lion chaser. Every father should determine to raise sons who are lion chasers. Every church should have some lion chasers next to their pastor. Will you rise up and be a lion chaser?
Have a resolved God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 22-23