Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. 2 Samuel 23:9 (NLT)
Of the hundreds of men who followed King David, three were singled out for their particularly outstanding character and acts of bravery. Yesterday we highlighted the first of David’s Three Mighty Men, Josheb-Basshebeth, whose example taught us to be resolved, persistent and focused. We were reminded that like Josheb-Basshebeth, we need to stay focused on our cause which is Jesus’ cause. Today we will focus on the second, Eleazar.
Eleazar was extremely loyal. He refused to back down from battle even when the rest of the Israeli army had retreated. II Samuel 23:9 says that he “was with David when they taunted the Philistines,” but what made Eleazar different was that he did not stop fighting. He stood his ground until the battle was won, even to the point where his hand became so tired that it cramped tight, frozen to his sword.
He would not abandon David’s cause, even when everyone else did.
A loyal person never turns away when you need them. Like having their hand frozen to the sword, they are ever ready to fight and stand with you through anything, no matter how tough it gets.
Are you loyal to your friends? Your church? What about in other areas where you sense that God is calling you to make a difference? Can people count on you when it really matters?