"These beans are important."

Shammah’s Lentiles

Shammah’s Lentils By Kirk Hunt

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

2 Samuel 23:11-12 NKJV

Shammah stood his ground in a field of lentils. I always imagine him alone, matching his soft brass knife against a squad (or maybe a platoon) of hard steel swords. Valiantly, Shammah fought the fight of his life over a patch of beans.

Why there? Why then? Why single-handed? Scripture does not say. The Bible only records that God used one man to bring about a great victory.

Shammah’s lentils are a symbol of the victories God gives despite impossible circumstances. To those without faith, it seems God’s men and women too often risk everything, against ridiculous odds, for nothing of value. Even God’s faithful sometimes feel alone and friendless against endless hordes.

You are not alone. Jehovah-Shammah, the God who is there, fights beside you. Like Shammah bar-Agee, God will bring about a great victory through you.

What has God called you to do? Champion the cause He set in your heart. Nurture the soul he put in your path. Despite all of the really good reasons you should pull back, push forward in God’s power.

It may seem that you are defending a patch of beans against impossible odds. Be confident in fulfilling the call of God. Be faithful and God will deliver victory through your faithful courage.

Think: If God sent me, the issue is not trivial, and the odds are not impossible.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have faithful courage over what, where and when You command.”

 

Copyright © March 2018, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.