The Right-Hand Man
Today’s Verse:
And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. ~1 Samuel 14:9
We refer to the right hand as being the dominant of our two hands. The right hand has the idea of approval, favor, and strength. The term “right-hand man” refers to a very loyal person that a leader depends upon. He is the person that watches your back and provides an extra set of eyes. He is the man at your side who helps you get things done. He is your dependable shadow in whatever you do. This morning, let us be inspired by the testimony of Jonathan’s armorbearer, or his right-hand man.
We see the focused standing.
An armorbearer held the weapons for the one he served. He made sure no weapons were missing or left behind. His responsibility was to finish whatever his captain started. He made sure that the enemy who was wounded was not left alive. He would always follow behind his captain. He exemplifies for us the dependability and loyalty of followers to their leaders. Followers should have a clear understanding of their roles. They never run ahead, and are always close by.
We see the faithful stability.
An armorbearer could not be a doubleminded man. He had to be decided that he was on the right side, serving the right leader, and doing the right thing. He would not do a lot of talking, but he had to be faithful and stable. An armorbearer did not complain. An armorbearer knew that every battle could result in his own death. He had to be vigilant and careful. He would travel the distance with his captain. He had to have the stamina to endure long battles. He had to be willing to be wounded and suffer hurt as part of his responsibility. Like an armorbearer, we must be men who accept the responsibilities of being followers. We must accept the burdens as well as the blessings. We must accept the risks as well as the rewards. We must have conviction when there is confrontation. An armorbearer must be faithfully stable.
We see the fervent stimulus.
“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.” An armorbearer is to be an encourager and motivator. Jonathan told him they needed to do something that required character and courage. The armorbearer said, “Do all that is in thine heart…I am with thee.” He was visible in his inspiration! He had valor in his inspiration! He was vocal in his inspiration. A good armorbearer encourages by saying, “Do all that is in thine heart!” He follows with a spirit of enthusiasm and commitment.
We see the fruitful steward.
“And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.
And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.” The armorbearer followed and slew after Jonathan. Together, they took out twenty Philistines on half an acre of land. He was a good steward of his responsibility. As he accepted the rigor of his responsibility, and, following at Jonathan’s side, they both were greatly victorious.
Do you bear any resemblance to this armorbearer? Will you be willing to crawl on your hands and knees for victory? Are you an encourager with your words and presence? Will you stay until the end to get the job done? Will you be a model right-hand man?
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 66-69