In 2 Samuel 10, we find Joab leading the armies of Israel into battle. Very quickly in the course of the conflict, he realizes he is facing a two front war. On one side, he is facing the army of the Ammonites. On the other, he is facing the armies of Syria. Joab quickly divides his force and puts his brother in charge of the other half. He says to him;
“If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me; but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. 12 Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Jehovah do that which seemeth him good.” 2 Samuel 10:11-12
Today we, as Christians, feel set upon on every side. We feel like there are forces all around who are seeking to overcome us. We feel it in our culture, we feel it in our daily lives and we even feel it in our churches.
Like Joab, it’s time to change our battle plan. Instead of trying to handle everything ourselves we have to trust those around us to step up and engage. We have to trust our brothers to have our back.
And we have to “man-up.”
Many churches right now are struggling because of “lost generations.” My generation, “GenX” rebelled and left the church in droves. Because of that mass exodus, there is a lack of younger leadership in many churches today. But that’s not the only reason.
There are many of us men who simply are not ready to “play the man.”
We will speak glowingly of our fathers or those men who impacted us when we were boys. We will hold in reverence those who led us when we were younger. We will cling to teachings that we were given by men we respected and revered. But we don’t see ourselves as ready to step into those roles for another generation.
I’m challenging myself as well as those of you reading this. Let’s “play the man.”
Are you ready to step up and “play the man” for your family? Are you ready to step up and “play the man” for your community? Are you ready to step up and “play the man” for your church?
We will be presenting a number of opportunities for engagement as we move into the summer. We will be giving you the chance to share with children in teaching classes or leading in VBS. We will need people who are ready to “play the man” and step up for this opportunity. We will be seeking those who will lead by example in Wednesday night talks or SNTs. We will be seeking those who want to engage with children, with youth, with KFC or Prime Timers.
In August, we will be opening up the small group ministry to create new groups and new opportunities to connect. We will need host families and leaders who are ready to “play the man” in this.
There are lots of opportunities for service available. It’s all about plugging your unique gifts and talents into the appropriate slot. Are you ready?
“Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people …”
For you and I the time has come to “man up.” Look for your opportunity and let God do what seems good to Him.
Pursuing God 