After the Miracle

Today's Devotional Thought
May 31, 2014 by Rachel Piferi

Summer Online Bible Study

Many of you may not know the name Benaiah like you know the names David or Elijah or Daniel or Joseph. Today, we want to introduce you to Benaiah in hopes that you will strive to be like him.

Benaiah can be found in the stories of David and Solomon. His name means "built up by the Lord" and he is known for his bravery and loyalty. In II Samuel 23, we see that he is listed among the courageous leaders of David. And, it says that he was a valiant fighter who performed great things. And, the passage mentions that he even killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. And, notice that it says that he went down into a pit to kill the lion. He didn't just happen to kill a lion that was on his path. He actually went to the lion and killed it. It was purposeful and deliberate.

So, why is this notable?

Benaiah was a lion chaser. He took risks. He chased his conquests. He had God on His side. And, he became known for being a valiant fighter who performed many great exploits. It may be a small passage of Scripture, but it shows us how taking risks can yield big results for God.

Do you want to be known for being a valiant fighter who performed many great exploits? Do you want to open your heart and mind to letting God show you what lions you need to chase in your life? Do you want to turn those lions over to God and watch Him do amazing things with your talents and skills as you chase them?

In June, we will be starting an online summer Bible Study and the book that we will read together is In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson. Its title and theme come from these verses about Benaiah. In this book, Mark discusses the characteristics of a lion chaser and how to become one. And through this study, you will examine your own risk taking tendencies and be encouraged to step out and do things for the Lord that may challenge your comfort zone, but that can take you right to center of God's will for you.

If you are interested in joining us for this online Bible study, please read more about it by clicking on the link on the main page. We would love for you to join us and chase some lions with us this summer!

"20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, 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. 21 And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear 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. 22 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men."
~II Samuel 23:20-22