2nd Samuel Chapter 10
Be Strong And Courageous!
A friend of David’s, the king of the Ammonites, had died so David sent some of his men to console his son, Hanun. But Hanun’s advisors convinced him that David’s men were only there to spy on their city so he could overtake them. As a result, Hanun shaved half their beards and cut off their garments above their hips in order to greatly humiliate them. This infuriated David which put fear into King Hanun. As a result, Hanun prepared for a battle against David and even got his allies from other regions to help him in this battle.
But David and his men defeated them.
What I found interesting was how Joab, the commander of David’s army, responded when it came time to defend the people in their cities. Joab said, “Let us be strong and courageous for all the people in our cities and for our God.” Joab was willing to defend his people even if it meant death.
Who are we willing to defend for the Lord? Who is an unpopular person in your realm of peers? Perhaps this person is bullied or put down or ignored. May I challenge us all to be strong and courageous and step out and come along this individual and be their friend. Show acts of love and kindness towards them. Let them see that they are important and valuable and worthy to be a friend. Just as Joab was willing to die to defend his people, are we willing to lose Friends who think we’re stupid for gaining an unpopular friend?
What would Jesus do? What will you do?
