Fearlessness and Faithfulness

These are the names of David’s mightiest warriors. The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three—the three mightiest warriors among David’s men. He once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle. Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the LORD gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder! Next in rank was Shammah son of Agee from Harar. One time the Philistines gathered at Lehi and attacked the Israelites in a field full of lentils. The Israelite army fled, but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory. [2 Samuel 23.8-12]

Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah. Now, there are three names to remember!

Why is it so important in the Scriptures to include these guys' names?

I suppose their names are important because they were important to David. But, beyond that, they are important to us too. Why? Because they represent valiant and fearless dedication and loyalty to their leader.

These men could not have been ordinary men. No, they would most certainly have been unique in almost every way. I don't want to over-glamorize them, but apparently these men were quite the warriors.

Just imagine how fierce they must have been to have been chosen by David, who was, himself a man of unmatched ferocity in battle (just ask Goliath).

I imagine the 'testosterone' was high around these men, but I am certain the capacity for genuine, unfailing love matched every ounce of testosterone! Passion comes to mind.

I have no "lesson" from the story of The Three except that they should be seen as an inspiration to all men who intend to follow Jesus Christ. Fearlessness and Faithfulness cannot be easily overcome - and that is exactly what these men possessed. They were fearless in every endeavor and faithful to their leader all the while. Their fearlessness enabled their faithfulness and their faithfulness enabled their fearlessness!

I am impressed.

Father, help me to understand the importance of faithfulness and fearlessness dwelling together and feeding off each other in my journey to be like Jesus in the earth today.