King David- The Lamp of Israel

David was a man born for battles like many of us. In fact midrash says that when he was born, his father didn't approve of his birth and his mother was traumatised. David was not permitted to eat with the rest of his family, but was assigned to a separate table in the corner. He was given the task of shepherd because “they hoped that a wild beast would come and kill him while he was performing his duties,” and for this reason was sent to pasture in dangerous areas full of lions and bears.

In the wilderness he had to face lion and the bear. In David's words as he talked to King Saul “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock,  I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. "(1 Samuel 17:34-35)

Who can forget the victory he as an underdog had over Goliath. He was then chased by Saul till the latter's death. The first book of Samuel ends with his war against the Amalekite raiders as he took refuge in Ziklag. Yet the Lord was with him as he recovered all that the enemy plundered.

The coup of Absalom probably the most saddest of all. He had to flee from the palace and only return when he learnt of his son's death. He had to still face battles as Philistines came back with vengeance - this time old Goliath's brothers and Ishbi-Benob from Rapha.

"Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.  And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels[b] and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David."(2 Samuel 21:15-16)

David was exhausted. A life of wars. Battles of various kinds. Thank God there was a youngster who defended King David. Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. When the enemy schemes against your life with a new sword, never forget the Lord will raise up a new generation to shield you, a new provision , a new layer of protection!

Then David's men said to him- "Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.” David's men knew the grace of God and the anointing on their leader. They would not want that to go away from them corporately. They did not want the lamp of Israel to be extinguished. David ,then writes-

"You, Lord, are my lamp;the Lord turns my darkness into light."(2 Sam 22:29)

Thank God for godly leaders who serve as lamps for your churches, communities and families. Do everything to pray, protect and preserve these lamps in your lives!