“And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontent gathered to him. So, he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.” - (2 Sam 22:1-2)
Under David’s leadership these 3D men went from being below and beneath to above and beyond; from convenient love to covenant love; from a Hospital Church to a Family church, to a training centre, to an army like the Army of God. Every army has a hospital, but that’s not the main purpose of an army.
Matt 25:21 “Faithful in a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.”
David proved faithful in three areas: at his father’s home in Bethlehem; in the Cave of Adullam; and at Hebron. Hebron means ‘seat of association or covenant’! (1 Chron 12:38) David was a purpose driven/focused leader, and purpose focused leaders will not stay in the cave of Adullam for very long. The cave of Adullam was a place of overwhelming despair but David brought them out into Victory!
- Many of these same men became David’s mighty men of valor
- David taught them by example and experience how to live life at the top
- David taught them to be unselfish and willing to help their brethren by taking hold of the opportunities before them. (1 Sam 23:1-5) David helped Keilah, a little town in Judah under attack.
- He taught them the importance of inquiring of God and doing what God said with no fear of man.
- He taught them how to conquer their fears and be courageous
- And in doing this he brought them all out of debt, so that they all had more than enough.
God took David to the top, but David took his men with him! He taught them how to honour someone who was not worthy of honour. (1 Sam 24:4-7) He taught them how to deal with hopeless situations by showing them how to handle discouragement and encourage themselves in the Lord. (1 Sam 30:1-8) He taught them how to deal justly, be unselfish, and generous both with his men and with those who had helped him in the past. (1 Sam 30:20-31) Here’s how he took others to the top:
1. He gave them his own example of heroic faith to follow
2. He gave them an environment of hope and possibility
3. He gave them opportunities to fight and win their own battles
4. He gave them a share of the profits and the power as a reward for their loyalty
“All these mighty men of war, who could keep rank, came to Hebron with a loyal heart to make David king over all Israel.” (1 Chron 12:38) “They came to David day by day until it was a great army like the army of God.” (1 Chron 12:22)
God wants to take you to the top too! Make sure you take as many people as possible with you!
Yours for the Training and Mobilizing of leaders,
Dr. George Hill,
Founder and President of Victory Churches International
www.victoryint.org