Here we go with another list to close out the saga of King David as told in 2 Samuel! This one celebrates David’s top warriors. I thought it interesting that the top 3 are not part of the top 30. I suppose there are different criteria to place you in one group or not at all.
Do you think that David’s men were competitive? I hadn’t really thought about it in terms of the warriors themselves. We’ve certainly seen how the appointed leader, specifically Joab, really took his position seriously and was certainly ruthless when it came to killing others who threatened him. Notice he didn’t make the list of the top 30 or the top 3 for that matter!
Have you ever worked hard to get to the top of the class, so to speak? I remember being the student always at the “top of the class” in my business law class in high school. The other kids in the class often booed me when I got a perfect score because the teacher graded on a curve. If only I had missed a few – that would have helped my fellow classmates.
Other examples in more recent days for us is seeing our names at the top of leader boards for getting leads or bringing in the most referrals for a promotion partner. That feels good. Nobody was booing us! Being in the spotlight for a job well done feels good.
I’m sure the men listed in this passage had a lot to be proud of in terms of their warrior capabilities. We’re even given examples of how some of these men triumphed. Never in a million years did they think that generations to come would speak their names found in Holy Scripture!
Talk about leaving a legacy. I like the sounds of that so much better than being “top of the class.” Being the “top” infers that there are people below or not even receiving “honorable mention.” If you are at the top, how can you do better? If you are at the top, you are also likely to fall.
But when you leave a legacy, that is yours. Nobody can take that away from you. You’re not in competition with anybody. You are able to shine your light, make your contribution to the world, and everyone benefits. When I think of leaving my legacy, I don’t expect to receive any fanfare. I just want to bring a solution that will bless another people.
Have you thought about what your legacy might be? Take some time right now to do just that. What do you want to be remembered for?
Let’s pray …
Lord, thank you for how you have gifted me. Help me to honor you with those gifts and leave a legacy that will impact many. Show me the best way to move forward in taking the necessary steps to be in your will. Help me keep my head straight in terms of recognition received. May you be glorified. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
