May 21, 2026

Hey guys, 

This week’s Thought comes from II Samuel, the end of verses 10 and 12. “The Lord gave him a great victory that day… so the Lord brought about a great victory that day.” 

I've always loved chapter 23 because it talks about David's “mighty men”.  The author of “Wild at Heart”, John Eldredge, states that there is something innate in men that makes us want to come through, to play the hero, to provide and protect for those that we love. Why? Because we are made in God’s image, and that is His nature!

However, in our church culture today, oftentimes we are pitched the idea of lowly Jesus, meek and mild... the meek Jesus who carries the sheep on His shoulders, the mild Jesus who walks around patting little kids on the head. We forget that Jesus is a warrior. Exodus 15:3 is very clear, “The Lord is a warrior, the Lord is his name.” How else do we know that? Go read the book of Revelation. He's not coming back as a peaceful, meek, and mild Jesus… He will come in all His glory as a conquering King! 

We know that David was a man after God's own heart (I Sam 13:14), and we know David absolutely was a warrior. David had Three Top soldiers, Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah. Below them were 30 more who stood above the rest, and then the rest of David’s army. When it comes to the Top Three and the Top 30, think special forces… Navy Seals.

Verse 10 refers to a time Eleazar and David fought against the Philistines, the Israelites got spooked and they ran, BUT David and Eleazar stood there together and fought the Philistines… ”and the Lord gave them a great victory”. In the first part of verse 10, it says that Eleazar fought so hard and so long that his hand froze to the sword — a real physical condition that results from extreme fatigue and dehydration. 

Then in verse 12, the Lord brings about another victory for Shammah. One day, Shammah was fighting against the Philistines when the entire army of Israel fled out of fear, BUT he stood his ground and by himself, defeated the Philistines… because the Lord gave him a great victory! 

I think there are two lessons here. Number one, do we recognize, in our moments of victory, where they come from? I think it's easier, maybe when things aren't going so well, to say, "Okay, God, you have to take care of this." Conversely, when things are going well, we have a tendency to think, “God, I got this.” Do we have the perspective that our victories, blessings, and provisions come from Him alone?  

Number two, how did these guys learn to be fierce warriors that continued to fight regardless of the cost, and at the end, acknowledge from where their victory came? Their leader set the example, not only in how he fought, but also, before almost every battle that David entered, David inquired of the Lord first! David set this example for them. So, is your life an example to those that are around you, watching you constantly? Do they know, that you know, from where your victories come? 

Love you guys,

John