Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

To get pearls, one must dive deep!

Lesser known characters :: Aquila and Priscilla

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On August 8, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Little is shared about this couple, Aquila and Priscilla, in the Bible but what is shared is voluminous about their Christian faith and life. Aquila, a Jew and Priscilla his wife were tent makers by profession, and when Paul left Athens and came to Corinth, he came and resided in their house, since they shared the same occupation of tent making (Acts 18:1-3). But what is said of Aquila of Priscilla is not just that they were a hospitable couple, but that they opened their house not only for God’s preachers, but to God’s people (both Jew and Gentile) as well. A church met in their home (1 Corinthians  16:9) and Paul refers to them as his helpers in Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3). Paul appreciates how Aquila and Priscilla put their very neck in danger for his life and writes that not only is he thankful to them, but that all the Gentile churches are very thankful as well.

What can we learn from Aquila and Priscilla?
We must be willing to open our homes to God’s preachers and people, so that God can make His home/tent (tabernacle) in the hearts of the people. We must be helpers of God’s men and women, willing to put our very necks in danger so that the ministry of God through his people and churches can continue.

Acts 18:1-3 (KJV)
1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

1 Corinthians 16:9 (KJV)
19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Romans 16:3-5a (KJV)
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5a Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

Lesser known characters :: Ananias

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On August 5, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Ananias is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Hananiah which means “God has graciously given.” Three characters are known by this name in the Bible and interestingly, all three of them are recorded in the book of Acts.

The first character, named Ananias, was a man in Jerusalem, who with his wife Sapphira, tried to deceive the disciples of God, by stating that the portion that they had offered to the disciples was all that they had received from the sale of their property. They were both struck dead that very day. The disciples tell Ananias, that he had not only tried to deceive them, but in fact, he and his wife were deceiving God by lying to the Holy Spirit of God. This is Ananias, the liar. (Acts 5:1-5).

The second character, named Ananias was a disciple in Damascus, who was asked of God, to go meet with Saul. Saul who was murdering and persecuting Christians had, had an personal enlightening encounter with Jesus that left him blind. Saul was told by God that a man named Ananias would come and see him. Ananias first tries to negotiate with God, stating that this Saul was the persecutor of Christian and by virtue of his visit with Saul, Ananias would be putting his very life in danger. Nonetheless, upon clear direction from the Lord, Ananias visits Saul, despite his fear and minsters to him. This is Ananias, the devout. In fact, when Paul, refers to this Ananias, he calls him a devout man, according to the law who had a good report of all the Jews who dwelt in Damascus (Acts 22:12). When Ananias meets with Saul, Ananias puts his hand on Saul and addresses Saul as brother, telling him that the Lord Jesus Christ was the one who sent him and asks him to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit of God (Acts 9:17). Ananias tells Saul that he was chosen of God the Father, so that Saul would know God’s will and see Jesus, the Just One, and hear Jesus’ voice. Ananias brings God’s mission to Saul stating that Saul would be God’s witness and asks him not to delay any further, but to rise and be baptized and wash away his sins by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 22:14-16). Miraculously, Saul receives his sight and being filled with God’s Holy Spirit, straight away begins to preach Jesus, that Jesus is the Son of God.

This third character named Ananias who is mentioned in the Bible was a high priest. He asked  the people standing next to Paul to smite Paul (the repented saved Saul) in his mouth, figuratively forbidding him to talk, when Paul puts the defense of the gospel of Jesus and preaches about Jesus to all those who had taken him to trial. Paul calls this high priest a whitewashed wall, an idiom that is used to describe a hypocrite or someone who is dirty on the inside, but painted white (as a white wall) on the outside. When Paul calls the high priest a hypocrite, those standing by Paul, actually question Paul on his audacity to insult (revile) Ananias, whom they refer as God’s high priest (Acts 23:1-5). This is Ananias, the hypocrite high priest.

So what can we learn from these characters named Ananias?
From Ananias, the liar, we can learn that when we try to deceive God’s people, we are not only deceiving men, but God. This can have fatal consequences.
From Ananias, the devout disciple from Damascus, we can learn that when God directs us to do something for him, even if it is risky for our lives, we must be willing to do it and take action. We must treat even those who persecute us a “brothers” and our message to those who are blinded in their minds by the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), must be for them to receive their sight, by seeing Jesus, the Just One, who justified all by his sacrifice, seeking his act to wash away their sins by calling on his name. We must live a life in such a way that people would call us devout disciple of Christ and all around us would be able to give of us, a good report.
From Ananias, the hypocrite high priest, we can learn that we need to be clean in the inside. While external appearances and actions of piety may earn us a title as God’s high priests, we are in deed like whitewashed walls, if we are not clean on the inside.

Acts 5:1-5 (KJV)
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Acts 9:10 (KJV)
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Acts 22: 12-16 (KJV)
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 23: 1-5 (KJV)
1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Lesser known characters :: Amasai

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On August 4, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

When David was hiding from king Saul, at Ziklag, some of Saul’s relatives, who were mighty men and warriors, from the tribe of Benjamin and Judah sought to join David’s stronghold and came to him. One of these men was Amasai, who was a chief of the captains (1 Chronicles 12:18). When David went out to meet them, he asked if Amasai and the men with him had come peaceably and if they did, he would let them join forces (knit hearts) with him. In response, Amasai who had the spirit of the Lord come upon him, tells David that they were on his side and prays that peace is on David and on those who helped him, recognizing that it was God that was helping David. David receives them and made them captain over the band.

What can we learn from Amasai?
Of all the men who joined David at Ziklag, it is only of Amasai that it is said, that the “Spirit of God” came upon him. And the message that is given is one of peace; peace for David and peace for all who help David. Amasai expressed that David’s strength and support did not come from his military strength and warriors, but from the Lord.  We must be like Amasai, speaking peace, when we have the Spirit of the Lord in us.  We must recognize that conquests of battles are not a result of the warriors with us, but as a result of the God of the warriors, who is with us and who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.

1 Chronicles 12:16-18 (KJV)
16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.
17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
18Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Lesser known characters :: Ahimelech

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On August 3, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Ahimelech was the priest at Nob during the reign of Saul. When David fled from Saul to save his life, he comes to Ahimelech the priest. Upon being questioned by Ahimelech as to why David was alone and why no man was with him, David lies to him stating that king Saul had sent him on a secret mission and that is the reason as to why he was alone and had no one else with him.  Then David, in order to satisfy his hunger, asks Ahimelech for the loaves of bread that was in his place. Ahimelech, a priest and keeper of the law responds by saying that the bread that was in the house was sacred. He tells David that there was no common bread in the house and the sacred bread could be eaten by only the priests and their sons; by those who were sanctified and pure from carnal matters according to the Levitical law (Leviticus 24:5-9; 1 Samuel 21:4). David tells Ahimelech that he was carnally clean and so Ahimelech gives him the sacred bread. Later, Ahimelech also gives to David the sword of Goliath when David asked him for weapons (1 Samuel 21:1-9).

What can we learn from Ahimelech?
This act of Ahimelech giving David the sacred bread would be considered a direct contradiction to what the law prescribed. So how can a person who is supposed to uphold the law, be justified by breaking it? While on the surface, it may seem like a priest broke the very law that he was to uphold, which was to not give to anyone but to those who were priests, the sacred bread, under this act, is a hidden treasure that becomes evident upon deeper scrutiny. Jesus in fact, quoted this incident in the gospel according to Mark (Mark 2:25-28) to illustrate the understanding that Ahimelech had, which was that the law (sabbath) was made for life (man) and not life (man) for the law (sabbath). Ahimelech recognized that religious traditions and requirements were given to live a holy life, but when such requirements conflicted with the giving of life (symbolized by the bread – John 6:35), he must do that which was necessary to give life (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Sometimes in our dedication to observe religious prescriptions, we often ignore the needy and those who need the bread of life (Jesus Christ) and this must not be the case. Additionally, we can also learn from this account that, that which was sacred was given to a common man. Jesus Christ, the sacred bread of life, is not only given to those who are religious and priestly but to the common man/woman; to the common thief, the adulterer, the murderer and to everyone.

Furthermore, in addition to giving to those in need (who are starving for being satisfied), the bread of life (Jesus Christ), we must also give them weapons (of warfare), as did Ahimelech give the sword with which David finalized the victory against Goliath.  this will help them to fight against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:10-18). We must give them the armor of God which includes the word of God, with which Jesus (referred in Ezekiel as the second David) won the victory against Satan, the goliath of all adversaries (during his temptation). The word is the Sword of the Spirit by which the victory over temptation and the devil’s schemes is won and finalized. “It is (thus) Written.”

1 Samuel 21:1-9 (KJV)
1 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?
2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.
3 Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present.
4 And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.
5 And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.
6 So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.
7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.
8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.
9 And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.

Lesser known characters :: Ahimaaz

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On August 2, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Ahimaaz was the son of Zadok the high priest who served in the time of David. When Absalom, king David’s own son rebels and revolts against his father, David’s counselor Ahithophel, switches sides and counsels Absalom on a strategy to kill king David. Absalom wants to get a second opinion on Ahithophel’s plan and consults with Hushai, the Archite, who was David’s friend.  Hushai, sends word about Ahithophel plan to kill king David, through the priests Zadok and Abiathar, who send this message with their children Ahimaaz (Zadok’s son) and Jonathan (Abiathar’s son) (2 Samuel 15:24-37). Ahimaaz was known to be a sprinter, fast on his feet, and along with Jonathan, Ahimaaz brings the warning message to king David (2 Samuel 17:15-22).

Ahimaaz, was not only known to bring a warning message. Later, when Absalom is killed by Joab, he asks Joab permission to take the victory message to king David, but Joab instead purposes to send a Cushite. The Cushite bows to Joab and then starts to run to deliver the message. Ahimaaz continues to persevere and asks Joab again, permission to be the messenger of the victory news. Joab questions Ahimaaz, why do you want to be the bearer of the news that will bring you no reward (since the victory was as a result of the death of the king’s son Absalom), but Ahimaaz replies, “Come what may, I want to run.” Let me run behind the Cushite.”  Joab agrees, and Ahimaaz starts to run (by the plain) and outruns the Cushite, becoming the first to be the bearer of the news of God’s vindication against the enemies of the Lord’s anointed, king David. (2 Samuel 18:19-33). David refers to Ahimaaz as a good man, who brings good tidings/news. (2 Samuel 18:27)

What can we learn from Ahimaaz?
We must be runners for God, running the race with our eyes fixed on the prize. We must adorn ourselves with the shoes fitted with readiness for that which comes from the gospel of peace, which is warning of the enemy’s attacks against God’s saints and the message of the victory against the vanquished foe, the devil, who rebelled against the Lord’s anointed, Jesus Christ. Irrespective of the outcome, come what may, we must want to run.

Can the King of kings and the Lord of lords, say of you and me, “He/she is a good person, who brings good tidings/news of mine to my people?”

2 Kings 18: 19-28 (KJV)
19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.
20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.
21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?
23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
24 And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.
25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.
26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
27 And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.
28 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Ephesians 6:14-15 (KJV)
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Lesser known characters :: Ahikam

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On August 1, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Ahikam which means “a brother who rises up” was the son of Shaphan, the scribe. He was one of the five, commissioned by the king of Judah, Josiah, to go an enquire of the LORD from the prophetess Huldah who lived in Jerusalem. The other four were Hilkiah the Priest, Ahikam’s father Shaphan the scribe, Asahiah the king’s servant and Achbor the son of Michaiah. (2 Kings 22: 12-15) The Bible states that these five did as they were told and took the word of the LORD back to king Josiah (2 King 22:20).

In addition to Ahikam, being known as a man, who as being part of a team, fulfilled the mission, entrusted to him by a king to get the word from the LORD (the King of kings and the Lord of lords), Ahikam is also known for the protection he offered God’s prophet, Jeremiah when king Jehoakim, the son of Josiah, an evil king who did not follow the godly ways of his father Josiah, sought to kill the prophets who prophesied against the land. The Bible states the priests and the prophets sought to kill Jeremiah, God’s prophet, when Jeremiah proclaimed the word of the LORD, that Judah would become desolate because of the wickedness of its people. They said to the princes and the people, that Jeremiah was worthy of death, because Jeremiah had prophesied against the city (Jeremiah 26:11). In fact, Jeremiah recognizes that his life was in danger and tells the princes (officials) and the people, that he was in their hands but they would be guilty of bloodshed should they choose to kill him. Some elders (officials) of the land, intervene by looking back into their history that those who brought the word of God were heeded to and not put to death, and they suggest that Jeremiah was not worthy to die. However, it seemed like the evil king, Jehoakim, did not intend to heed to their voice. Jeremiah’s life was in danger because king Jehoakim had demonstrated it, by killing another man named Urijah who had prophesied the same message (Jeremiah 26:20-23). As this unfolds, we see that Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, rises up and supports Jeremiah, so that he is not handed over to the people to be killed. This could very well be taken as a direct opposition to the edict of the king, but Ahikam, knew that he had to heed to the voice of the King of kings through the prophet Jeremiah and not the voice of the earthly king, Jehoakim.

What can we learn from Ahikam?
When we are entrusted to enquire of the LORD and bring his word, we must do so faithfully. We must take the word of the LORD to those who seek it. Also, we must rise up as brothers/sisters and supports God’s servants (apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and preachers), sometimes risking our very life.

2 Kings 22: 11-20 (KJV)
11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.
12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying,
13 Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.
14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.
…
20 … And they brought the king word again.

Jeremiah 26:24 (KJV)
24 Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.

Lesser known characters :: Aeneas

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On July 29, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Acts 9:32-35 records of an account in which a man named Aeneas is healed of his palsy (paralysis). The account states that Peter, an apostle of Jesus, came down to the saints who lived in the city of Lydda and there he found a man named Aeneas, who had been a paralytic for eight years. The Scripture states that Peter found Aeneas and Peter told Aeneas, Jesus Christ, makes you whole, now rise up and make your bed. Aeneas does rise immediately and those in Lydda and Saron who saw Aeneas turned to the Lord.

What can we learn from Aeneas?
The name, Aeneas, which means “to praise” is of Greek and Latin in origin. But the bedridden and paralytic life of Aeneas was far from any reason for him to have to praise his Creator. From the account, we learn that it was Peter that found Aeneas, when Peter goes to the saints that dwelt in Lydda, which implies that Aeneas was either in the presence of the saints or was connected in some manner to the saints that dwelt there. Peter also explicitly qualifies that it will be not by him or by any other means, but by Jesus Christ, that Aeneas will be made whole and asks him to rise and make his bed. Aeneas had the option to doubt Peter and the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ and not do as he was told, but the Scripture states that Aeneas rose immediately which is a testament of his faith in Jesus Christ. The end result of this miracle was that all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron (two cities) saw Aeneas and turned to the Lord. The implicit and immediate faith of Aeneas brought about salvation to all in not one but two cities.

When we are asked to rise up and be made whole, can we implicitly trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, who can make us whole and immediately obey. Immediate obedience is praiseworthy, since by doing so, not one but two who observe us, may be saved!

Acts 9:32-35 (KJV)
32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Lesser known characters :: Adino

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On July 28, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Adino was one of David’s three chief warriors. The other two were Eleazar and Shammah. He was a chief among the captains. He once lifted his spear against eight hundred whom he slew at one time (2 Samuel 23:8). Adino was a loyal soldier of king David. Once, during harvest time, when David was in the cave at Adullam, the Philistines had their garrison in Bethlehem and pitched their troops in the valley of Rephaim (giants). David desired to drink from the well of Bethlehem. When Adino and the other two heard of the kings desire, they fought the army of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem and brought it back to David. David equates the water to the blood of Adino and the other two warriors and refuses to drink it because these men jeopardized their very lives for fulfilling the desire of their king. (2 Samuel 23:13-17)

What can we learn from Adino?
We must be like Adino, willing to go behind enemy lines, breaking through the troops of the enemy (the devil), even if it seems gigantic, jeopardizing our lives to fulfill the desires of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. It is the God’s desire that none perish (2 Peter 3:9). In other words, it is God’s desire that all drink the living water that flows from him, the God who made himself of no reputation and took the form of a man, born in Bethlehem, so that all may have life, life abundant and eternal.

2 Samuel 23:8, 13-17 (KJV)
8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
—
13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.
14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

Lesser known characters :: Abner

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On July 27, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Abner, was the uncle of king Saul (1 Samuel 14:50). He sat by the king’s side (1 Samuel 20:25). In his allegiance to the Saul, after Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1), when David is anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-7), Abner makes Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth the king over Israel (2 Samuel 2:8-11) which results in a long war between the servants of David and the house of Saul (2 Samuel 3:1). During one of the wars, Abner kills one of David’s nephew, Asahel, the brother of Joab and Abishai. Abner warned Asahel twice to turn away and not pursue him, but when Asahel does not heed, Abner kills Asahel piercing him with a spear under the fifth rib. Abner grew strong in the house of Saul (2 Samuel 3:6), but when Ish-bosheth, whom Abner had made king over Israel, questioned Abner’s sexual fidelity to the house of Saul, accusing him of fault concerning Saul’s concubine Rizpah (2 Samuel 3:7), Abner was angered and sought to make a league with king David, recognizing that the Lord was with David (2 Samuel 3:9-18). He was willing to turn over the kingdom of Israel to the house of David and David agrees to be at peace with Abner, sending him away. But Joab and Abishai, hear of this truce and call Abner back to where David was and Joab takes Abner aside, when he comes,  and smites him under the fifth rib and murders Abner, without David’s knowledge. At Abner’s funeral, David laments for Abner and refers to Abner as prince and a great man who had fallen in Israel (2 Samuel 3:38).
David called Abner a prince and a great man when Abner was dead and when he was alive, David had called out to Abner referring to him as a valiant man, and expressed that there was no one like Abner in Israel. But, at that point, David also stated that Abner was worthy of death. (1 Samuel 26:16). This is because, Abner, whose responsibility it was to guard the LORD’s anointed Saul was sleeping on his job and this endangered the life of Saul, since David and Abishai entered Saul’s camp and could have easily killed Saul.

What can we learn from Abner?
When we are assigned the responsibility to keep God’s anointed (people or possession), we cannot be sleeping on the job! Doing so is worthy of death.

Lesser known characters :: Abiah and Joel

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On July 26, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Abiah was the second son of the prophet Samuel. His older brother was Joel. Both Abiah whose name meant “The Lord is my Father”, and his brother Joel were appointed to be judges by their father, Samuel, to succeed him, but they were both evil and walked not in the ways of the Lord. They were driven by greed for money and took bribes, perverting justice, which was not in accordance to how the judge of a just God should conduct themselves. So when Samuel, appoints his own sons, Joel and Abiah as judges over Israel, the elders of Israel gathered together to meet with Samuel at Ramah and told him that since he was old and because his sons were not following in the ways of the Lord as did their father, they would rather have a king appointed to judge and reign over them. While on the surface, this may seem like a simple and much needed request, the undertow of how serious this request was, is only evident from what God tells Samuel as a response to the request of the people for a king. God tells Samuel that the people’s request was in essence not a rejection of the judgeship of Samuel but a rejection of the kingship of the Lord (1 Samuel 8:7). God’s reign over his people was being rejected by his own people (1 Samuel 8:7). The was the start of the decline of Theocracy (reign of God) and the beginning of Monarchy (ruling by a king) in the history of the Israelites.

But what triggered this? The answer is in the Bible. Samuel’s age was no doubt a factor. He was becoming an old man in age, but more than Samuel’s age, the elders of Israel had no confidence in the ways of Samuel’s wicked sons, Joel and Abiah, which is what they express (1 Samuel 8:5). Imagine for a moment, if Abiah and Joel were followers of the way of the Lord as did their father Samuel. If this was the case, it is highly likely that the people may have continued to let the Lord reign over them through his prophets as they did so during the times of Samuel.

What can we learn from Abiah and Joel?

  1. As parents, we must watch out for our children so that they are not far from the Lord. The warning is clear and evident, as we observe the life of Samuel, Abiah and Joel; “Even children of God’s own prophets (missionaries/pastors/preachers/teachers/evangelists etc) can be far from the Lord.”
  2. When justice is perverted, people draw away from a just and Holy God and turn toward seeking human lordship and justice over divine.
  3. Wickedness in us can lead to the rejection of the Lord and His kingship by the people around us.

1 Samuel 8:1-7 (KJV)
1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.
2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,
5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.
6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.
7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

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