The Valiant Men Arose
Today’s Verse:
All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. ~1 Samuel 31:12
The men of Jabeshgilead had a strong loyalty to King Saul for defending them from Nahash the Ammonite. In his first public deed as king, Saul heroically mobilized a weak Israel to successfully fight the Ammonites for the freedom of the men of Jabeshgilead. They never forgot the message that “to morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have help.” In our devotion this morning, we read that the valiant men of Jabeshgilead rose up at a needy time. Let us see the importance of valiant men rising up.
We see the desecrated.
“And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.” Saul and his sons were tragically killed in battle by the Philistines. The following day, the Philistines found the bodies of Saul and his sons and added insult to injury by stealing their armor, beheading them, and fastening, or nailing, their bodies to the wall of Bethshan. Through desecration, the enemies of the Lord wanted to make a public mockery and shame of Saul. It was a shameful and terrible event that struck fear in the hearts of many men of Israel.
We see the dedicated.
However, where we the desecrated, we also see the dedicated. The men of Jabeshgilead quickly received word of what the Philistines did. Without hesitation, the valiant men of Jabeshgilead rose up and traveled all night to retrieve the bodies. In spite of the risks, these valiant men rose up. In spite of the effort that would be required, they travelled and worked tirelessly to do what was right. Dedicated men are loyal and dependable, no matter what. They are courageous and heroic. They are committed and dependable. It costs them, but they are dedicated. It can kill them, but they are dedicated. Are you truly dedicated? Are you dedicated as a Christian? Are you dedicated to your calling? Are dedicated to a righteous cause? Are you dedicated to your church?
We see the decorated.
“And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.” Their heroic deed did not go unnoticed. David acknowledged their kindness and prayed for God’s blessing on them. As we honor others, the Lord, in His kindness, honors us. David said that he would requite this kindness unto them. It is so important that we are known for acts of kindness, godliness, respect, and loyalty. God is pleased when we live our lives in this utmost manner. He, likewise, remembers us, even though we are not looking for acknowledgement.
We see the demonstrated.
The valiant men rose up. It’s time for the valiant men to stand up. We have too many who are silent, set back, sleeping, and slothful. Valiant men need to rise up for the cross and its message. Valiant men need to rise up for their Lord and His kingdom. Valiant men must rise up for godly virtue and biblical values. Valiant men need to rise up against blasphemy, wickedness, and anti-God sentiments. Valiant men must rise up and be counted for the front lines of battle. Will you be a valiant man who will rise up at this needy time?
Have a valiant God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 13-15