If Deb and I were going to have name another son, (No this is not a birth announcement), I would try to convince her to name the little guy Benaiah. The guy was a fierce and godly version of Rambo. Check out this description:
Benaiah was a valiant fighter who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.
No wonder David later made Benaiah his body guard and army commander.
A. W. Tozer wrote that he could pretty much predict the spiritual future of any person based on their view of God. Small god, big problems. Big GOD, small problems. Mark Batterson wrote, "A low view of God and a high view of God are the difference between scaredy-cats and lion chasers."
The issue is: How big is your God?
Most of us are limited by discouragement and fear. Benaiah didn't run away from trouble, he ran towards it. If you talked to Benaiah about some of the great moments of his life he'd tell you about those two tough guys from Moab and the lion and the Egyptian NBA player. But if you asked him about the scariest moments in his life he probably tell you about the two tough guys from Moab and the lion and the Egyptian NBA player.
Was he scared? For sure. But the scariest moments of his life turned into the highlights of his life. The scariest experiences make for the best stories don't they?
It was his willingness to risk that set him apart. What is the great risk you are taking right now?
I get a lot of questions about safety and the future.
Is it safe to travel over seas at this time? Should we pull our kids out of public school because of the dark influences? Does the future of America ride on the next presidential election? Is the economy going to crash? Must I live the rest of my life alone?
It doesn't matter who is the next president. Jesus is still the KING!
Lion chasers take risks. Lion chasers don't retreat. I want my kids to grow up like Benaiah not like Jehaydaddazzer. Who is Jehaydaddazzer? See, his name isn't in the Bible because he never tried anything big for God!
I'm praying the little ones in my life will grow up to take on lions. I'm praying some little guy or girl in my family will chase the lion to Hollywood and produce movies that point people towards the Almighty. I'm praying one of them will become an author and become the next C. S. Lewis. I'm praying one will wade into politics and become a statesmen like Daniel. Wouldn't it be great if a kid from our church invented a life changing medical device like Wilson Greatbatch?
Who dreams big dreams? Who prays big hairy audacious prayers? Who chases lions and takes on bullies? It is the one who believes God is all powerful and the one who believes God created us for his glory.
Benaiah the lion chaser. Expectant parents, please consider this name for future bambinos. Bored, comfortable, reluctant friends, please find a snowy pit and jump in.
With thanks to A.W. Tozier and Mark Batterson.
To him who is worthy! MB