Courage

- This is the ability to face danger without fear. The Bible lists numerous remarkable stories of men of courage. Let’s have a look at the account of the battle between the Philistines and the men of Israel, called at Socoh in Judah, during the reign of king Saul. Israel had constant attacks from her enemies like the Amorites and the Philistines. The Philistines’ might had come from the weapons they made, as we are told in 1 Samuel 13:19-22. The men of Israel had also their secret of valiance! But the words of the Philistine, Goliath, stating that whoever prevailed against the others in battle would make the defeated army to be their servants, made the Israelites and their king very frightened. (1 Sam.17:8-11)

But David, the youngest amongst Jesse’s sons and only a young shepherd who had known no war, crosses the battle line to face the Philistine, a champion who was well armed and had known war from his youth. (1Sam. 17:33). How wonderful that David, (as he told king Saul,) had struck down both a lion and a bear, the fiercest of wild animals, and had suffered no harm (v.34-37). He was confident that the Lord who had saved him from the animals would keep him safe when confronting Goliath. King Saul told him, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” David, full of confidence and courage, went and killed the Philistine, Goliath, with a stone from a sling.

Another example is in the book of Acts, 21:10-14: this is when Paul was warned by the prophet Agabus that if he went to Jerusalem as he intended, he would face considerable danger and harm. In spite of his companions and friends also seeking to persuade him not to go, he insisted that was his mission. Paul answered them, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be only bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” v.13 Surely it was the Lord’s will that led him, and he did not seek his own path, but followed the command of the Lord.

Read other remarkable stories of courage like:

• Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh – Exodus 5:1-4; 10:24-29.
• Ehud killing Eglon – Judges 3:15-30.
• Gideon against the Midianites – Judges 7:1-24.
• Jonathan against the Philistines – 1Sam.14:1-14.
• Daniel in the Lions’ den – Daniel 6:1-23.
• Apostles facing the Sanhedrin – Acts 4:1-22.
• Saul preaching in Damascus – Acts 9:20-25.

Those commanded to be courageous:

• The Israelites, by Moses – Deut.31:6
• The Israelites, by Joshua – Joshua 10:25
• Solomon, by David – 1Chronicles 22:13; 28:20.
• Peter, by Jesus – Matt.14:27
• Paul by the Lord – Acts 23:11

What about all of us? See Hebrews 3:6 and 1Corinthians 16:13.

Aspects of Courage

When do we need courage?

- As we face dangers and difficulties. For example, after Moses’ death, Joshua took over the mantle to lead the people from the wilderness over to the Promised Land. It was a hard task all the way until the land was conquered from their enemies (Joshua 1:6-9). We too should overcome difficulties which arise in our lives and be strong in the faith. (1Cor.16:13)

- As we struggle to attain everlasting life in the coming Kingdom. (2Cor.5:1-7) We can be led by the Spirit in faith so that we are no longer burdened by the needs of our mortal life.

Bro. Lawrence K’ Owiti (Nairobi, Kenya.)