Men of Valor: King David

by David Chadwick

King David was described as “a man of valor and a man of war” in 1 Samuel 16:18. Take note that David is referred to as a man of valor even when was still a young boy, much like we saw yesterday with Zadok. It’s no wonder he went on to take on a bear and a lion when he was a mere shepherd boy. He developed valor as a young man in the pastures so he could lead in valor in the palace.

Think for just a moment. Where is God developing you right now? What are the “pastures” in your life where you are training and developing yourself for future battles? Places that seem hidden from the public eye, but places you need to govern before God gives you more influence. God is always giving us opportunities to build character and to strengthen ourselves. Like any good father, he disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:6).

Was David’s valor what led him to fight the nine foot giant named Goliath? David didn’t think twice about running straight TOWARD the giant in battle. David had no fear! I would certainly think his patterns of valor encouraged his courage in battle.

David is described in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). But I would argue he was also a warrior after God’s own heart as well. He spent the majority of his life fighting and battling for righteousness, purity, holiness, and victory, even in spite of his many challenges, sins, iniquities, and setbacks.

Think about this for a moment. Even after committing adultery with Bathsheba, having her husband killed, and then lying to cover it up, he entered into deep and remorseful repentance, showing his deep love for God.

Let this be an example that summons all young men, especially, wherever you may be, to seek to become men of valor. You are never too young to be used by God and to cultivate a life of valor. You, too, can run toward the giants and slay Goliaths in your own spheres of influence.

Men of Valor: Zadok

by David Chadwick

Zadok is today’s man of valor. 1 Chronicles 12:28 describes him as “a young man mighty in valor,” who had 22 commanders under him that were from his father’s house.

Just from this verse alone, we can see that Zadok was esteemed within his family and given leadership on a greater scale because of his faithfulness. He clearly must have been a very well respected and highly skilled warrior.

Two particular things strike me about the story of Zadok.

First, he was a man of great courage, but also skilled. You can have all the courage in the world, but lack discipline and practical skills and you will be highly ineffective. I can think of many examples of people who are willing to run into battle, but have not become skillfully trained in using their sword. In their lack of skill, they become highly dangerous in battle!

A skilled warrior must know when to fight, when to be still, when to strategize, and when to take action. It is imperative that you learn how to be skilled in your valor. Be discerning. Be wise. Learn the art of discretion. It could be a matter of life or death.

Secondly, Zadok was a “young man.” Yet he commanded others, perhaps as many as 22 other soldiers. I would suppose that many of these soldiers may have been older, even stronger than Zadok. I immediately think of Paul telling Timothy not to be despised because of his youth. Just because someone might be younger does not mean that he can’t be given positions of leadership in battle. As God told David, man looks at the outward appearance, but God is always looking at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

This lesser-known, yet valorous warrior named Zadok was a crucial part of conquering the Promised Land for God’s people. That land was needed later for the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus.

Valor is a theme for all believers. Young and old. Men and women. All races. All nations. Anyone can choose to learn to be a person of valor. God can and will use you mightily! Stand firm! Be strong and courageous!

Jesus needs you in his army.

Men of Valor: Joshua’s Mighty Men

by David Chadwick

In a culture where men are being emasculated and torn down, God desires to raise up a generation of men who reflect his heart of strength, love and courage.

Joshua’s mighty men of valor are today’s men of valor. You will find their story in Joshua 10. They were a whole team of courageous men!

The Gibeonites, a tough group of grizzled soldiers, stood in the way of God’s people acquiring the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

In Joshua 10:7, Joshua went up from Gilgal with “all the mighty men of valor.” These were some of Israel’s most courageous men going up against the evil Gibeonites. God instructed Joshua’s mighty men not to give their opponents a second thought in verses 7-10. He said, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you” (Joshua 10:8).

Not only did God send them into battle, he sent them with the assurance of victory! God certainly expected them to fight, but gave them the strategy for how to win.

Joshua and his mighty men went out and began to fight and God sent the Gibeonites into a state of panic and confusion. As Israel pressed forward courageously, the Gibeonites were chased away. The Lord even pitched huge stones from heaven on them and they died (Joshua 10:11).

God had given his word that his people would inherit the Promised Land. But they still had to fight to attain it. Their valor and courage were needed to win the victory.

The same principle holds true for our lives as believers. We have the victory over Satan and all his demonic hordes, but we still must daily engage in spiritual warfare on this side of eternity. We are fighting a battle Jesus has already won, but we still must fight it.

So, dear friends, rise up and take your place in God’s story!