LEADER OF RASCALS?

Dearly Beloved, LEADER OF RASCALS? “And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to [David]. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him” (1 Samuel 22:2 NKJV). David was a shepherd boy who was forgotten even by his father when it mattered most: choosing the person to be divinely anointed as the future king for Israel from his siblings. God fished him out from where he was taking care of his father’s sheep and made Prophet Samuel anoint him as the next king of Israel (see 1 Samuel 16). He was too young to be enlisted in the fighting force that would face the then avowed enemies of Israel – the Philistines, and his elder brother, Eliab, looked down on him when he volunteered to confront Goliath. Yet, he killed the giant and instantly became a hero in Israel (see 1 Samuel 17). By virtue of his bravery, he became a son-in-law of King Saul (see 1 Samuel 18). In spite of these, he became a wanderer trying to save his life from the jealous king. He even had to relocate his parents to another country. It was during this period that others like him that were in distress, in debt, and/or discontented (about four hundred men) gathered to him, and he became their leader – leader of rascals and “hopeless” people! Interestingly, these “hopeless” people became the mighty men that God used to establish the Davidic dynasty in Israel (see 1 Samuel 22; 1 Chronicles 12). What would have been in David’s mind when he was leading these “hopeless” rascals? Did he have any hope of better future for these people and himself? He knew that God through Prophet Samuel had anointed him (David) as the next king of Israel. However, how would he ascend the throne when the incumbent king was after his life? Could the hopeless rascals who could not help themselves help him? In spite of these, he waited for his time, and he eventually became the greatest king of Israel. Many people today also have become “wanderers” in the journey of life because of hatred, jealousy, persecution and intimidation of the powers that be around them. Other seemingly hopeless people that are also seeking refuge from their own predicaments may even surround these people. In spite of these, there is hope for each of them if they could look unto God for solace. The Lord God is the defender of the helpless, especially the less privileged (see Psalm 68:5; Exodus 22:23; Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 10:14c; 146:9; Proverbs 15:25). Does it seem as if you are also a “wanderer” in the journey of life because of hatred, jealousy, persecution and intimidation of the powers that be around you? Are you leading people that are in hopeless or helpless situations? Are you and your followers been ridiculed today? Rely on God. He will vindicate you. No matter what, you will reach your Promise Land soon. You will soon become a force to be reckoned with in Jesus’s name. Amen. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that God will enable you to reach your Promise Land soon no matter what.