the valiant...

"...but when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons..." 1 Samuel 31: 11-12a

At this stage in Saul's narrative, his nation, his kingship, had collapsed. The Philistines had been relentlessly pursuing him, intent on annihilating the Israelites. They had seemingly achieved their goal by killing Saul and his sons in battle, including the beloved Jonathan.

In a moment, the Israelites found themselves without a king and devoid of hope, utter defeat. Yet, from this despair, valiant men emerged, sowing new seeds for new beginnings that would foreshadow the arrival of the Messiah. In the 2nd century, a Christian theologian named Tertullian wrote, "...the blood of martyrs is seed." He implied that the death of the faithful does not weaken or eradicate the faith; instead, it fortifies it and inspires others to continue the struggle with determination. The death and shedding of blood by Saul and his sons would invigorate any faithful remnant to carry on...valiantly.

Somehow, somewhere, it is safe to say that we've strayed from our path. Look around and it is easy to see that many Christ followers seem to have grown complacent about things important to God... we ignore the orphan and widow, and we turn a blind eye to the pain, suffering and martyrdom of many, just to name a few. Where are the valiant men and women of our generation? We've become mere spectators in a world that desperately needs hope. When was the last time you prayed for and/or boldly gave to organizations like Every Orphans Hope (click to go to their website and see what God is doing and how you can help) or read about and prayed fervently for all of our courageous brothers and sisters being martyred in countries all over the world?

Timothy wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7). As I sit and contemplate this packed verse, I have asked myself over and over, "Can I say that I have actually fought the good fight?" I desperately desire to be valiant...and this is where I let God do the work, surrendering my life to be the vessel He uses, in whatever way He desires.

Throughout the centuries, there have always been valiant men and women - a faithful remnant - to boldly and courageously carry on the message of the cross. Will you be one of them?

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13