‘Audacious’
(2 Corinthians 4:11) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
(2 Samuel 23:14-17) David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. And he said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men.
Today our topic is titled ‘Audacious’
Audacious means to show a willingness, to take surprisingly bold risks. Showing an impudent lack of respect.
It is synonymous with being bold, daring, fearless, intrepid, brave, unafraid, unflinching, courageous, valiant, valorous, heroic, dashing, plucky, daredevil, devil-may-care, death-or-glory,
Like many of us, we may have had a longing or desire to eat a particular food or drink at one time or the other; now consider the procurement (acquisition) of this – fraught with danger !
For David according to today’s scriptural reading, his desire was for a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate. As he blurted out his thoughts, the valiant men with him without question set out on daredevil mission deep into enemy territory, of which if they ever get caught will automatically result in instant death ! Against all odds, they brought back the much desired water. Guess what David did ? He poured it out on the ground as an offering to The Lord, recognising these men risked their lives at his expense (to satisfy him) – drinking the water would have equated to drinking the men’s blood – hmm !
By this singular act, I can easily to see why David is called a man after God’s heart. A name coined by God himself.
(1 Samuel 2:30b)…..But now the Lord says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.
This story in its entirety from all angles typifies what the walk of a true Christian believer should be with his/her king (Jesus).
Many of us will have at one time or the other sang: Come rain or fire, irrespective of the weather or circumstance, I will follow Jesus.
(Romans 8:35,38-39) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These valiant men had every right to say tell David, boss-man, have we done something wrong or betrayed you that you suddenly want us dead ?
But, like Apostle Paul in (Acts 21:12-14)
Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
I remember listening to the story of how missionaries came to Africa from England, with adverts in papers indicating that. the would-be volunteers should consider themselves as those going on what amounts to a suicide mission (with no hope of returning). Many who answered this call died in the hands of hunger, sickness, disease, exhaustion, savages and animals to name but a few.
(Philippians 1:21) For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
We (this generation) on the other hand have all been bred (trained & raised) under the gospel of comfort. Today Pastors quarrel over patches in the city (nobody wants to go to the villages). I ask like (Romans 10:14) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Today your King and mine (Jesus Christ) is asking us for a drink (new souls) from territories we consider dangerous (the areas we shy away from) – feeding the hungry & thirsty, taking-in strangers, clothing the naked and visiting the sick, prisoners orphans and widows (Matthew 25:42-43) & (James 1:27). Let’s not forget about the numerous countries towns where the gospel penetration is still far below 20% ?
Would I like Phillip in (Acts 8) vacate the city after great crusade for the desert in humble obedience to the Holy Spirit ? Hmm!
If indeed we have received the baptism of fire; our next step needs to show we are audacious for Jesus – in every way
“ONLY BRAVE-HEARTS”
# But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24)
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Good morning my family of friends.
‘Be bold, be strong, for the Lord thy God is with you. I will not be afraid …’
Still singing songs of victory, Hallelujah!
From: ‘Imitators of Christ, renewing the mind, under the guidance of The Holy Spirit’