Thinking Like a Christian

pastor peteA series of Scripture meditations on what the Bible teaches about the Christian life.

by Pastor Pete Beck III

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a field of lentils

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, 12 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 23:11-12 (NLT)

Recently at a prayer meetings, a brother shared about thieves illegally seizing the family farm from some of his relatives in Zimbabwe. Despite a court injunction ordering the return of the property, the thieves still have the lands, the buildings, the equipment, and the crops of the family farm. The executive branch of the government there has so far refused to enforce the injunction. Family members have witnessed the law breakers dancing for glee on their farm before their very eyes. When I heard of this injustice, I found myself thinking that this is what is taking place at Liberty Church. The enemy is attempting to wrestle our property and godly heritage away from us through lack of finances. The question is: what are we going to do about it?

First, let me say that we must hold on to all things with an open hand. In other words, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. If he wishes to take our property away, we will gratefully relinquish it, knowing He has another, better provision. Paul showed us how to have the proper attitude when he wrote these words.

 

But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NLT)

 

Nevertheless, when God gives us something that has kingdom purpose, and the enemy tries to thwart that purpose by stealing the provision, we must fight. In the opening verse, we have the story of one of David's mighty men, Shammah. This man knew what it meant to make a stand. Everyone else fled, but he decided to put it all on the line in a field of lentils. He chose to defend that plot of land against the enemy against all odds. He stood alone, but not really. God was with him, just as he later would stand with Paul during one of his lonely stands against the enemy.

 

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT)

 

More important than the land and buildings, God has staked out a heritage for us. David wrote about the one God gave him in the psalms.

 

LORD, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure. 6 It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land. 7 I will praise the LORD who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn. 8 I constantly trust in the LORD; because he is at my right hand, I will not be upended. 9 So my heart rejoices and I am happy; My life is safe. Psalm 16:5-9 (NET1)

 

I believe that we as a church are in a fight for the inheritance given to us by God. The Lord has deposited in us great treasure. He has equipped us to lead captives into freedom. He has put us in Alamance County for a purpose, and the devil is very angry about it. Years ago God gave a prophecy that we would become a warrior church. Now is the time, saints. Take your stand as Shammah did so long ago. Refused to be moved from your God given destiny. Declare in prayer that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and that God's purpose will be fulfilled. The battle is the Lords!

 

How about that for a church name - "a field of lentils?" That would be different.

 

 

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