Regional Meeting Message
2 Sa 5:10 And David went on and became great, and Jehovah, the God of Hosts was with him.
The Lord is blessing you this month dear AOJ Soldiers, to raise an Army with a powerful battalion of soldiers. Start a new Troop before the end of this month. The Lord will bring powerful soldiers into your Army. It will grow more and more and get blessed by Jehovah.
Let us meditate from Bible how to raise an Army from the scratch, lead the Army and maintain the same
The Army of David grew significantly over time, from a small group of loyal followers to a powerful force. Here’s a brief overview of key events and factors that contributed to its growth:
Early Days – David’s anointing:
David was anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13).
1Sa 16:13 And Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the spirit of Jehovah came on David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
At Saul’s court:
After that David served in Saul’s court as a musician and armor-bearer, gaining experience and building relationships (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
1Sa 18:14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways. And Jehovah was with him.
1Sa 18:17 And Saul said to David, Behold I will give you my older daughter Merab for a wife. Only you be a brave son for me and fight Jehovah’s battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.
Please note 3 things here.
- David gets a worldly favour of becoming the Son in law of the king.
- Get opportunities to fight battles bravely and gain experience in war
- Saul’s intention to kill him.
Dear Soldier,
After getting the anointing from God, you will be sent to places for the above purpose. You are sent to various places, appointed in adverse situations just to gain experience in warfare training. Warfare training can be done where enemies exist, where adverse situations exists.
But along with “B” “A” and “C” also follow.
“A”. David gets a worldly favour of becoming the Son in law of the king.
Worldly benefits like, good salary, accommodation facility, and other benefits may come during your training. Please understand it is all ”added benefits” for accepting the call and committing to work for the Kingdom of God.(Lk 6:33) Don’t go after the first one “A”. You may lose your calling and anointing by getting distracted.
It is added blessing which comes automatically when you focus on the real one. That is health, Health, food, accommodation, blessing of obedient children, good family, sources for your livelihood, etc. . Luk 6:33
“B” – Get opportunities to fight battles bravely and gain experience in war
This second one was the real purpose of Jehovah’s sending David to king Saul. But “A” was a reward “C” as a trap. The same may happen in your life too.
After anointing the Lord has to train you up for the purpose of your calling. There is no perfect place in this world. When the Lord sent David for “B” he had to face with “A” & “C”.
You need not worry about it. The Lord who sends you to the place will take care of that.
Don’t worry about the 3rd one “C”.
“C” . Saul’s intention to kill him.
You cannot go o scrutinizing who is plotting against you, who is trying to destroy you, kill you, rob you, etc.
David did not even know the intentions of Saul. But the Lord protected him wherever he went. God will guard you, and send His heavenly host to surround you in dangerous places and situations .
Growth and Expansion of David’s ArmyDavid’s band grew in strength and numbers as he took refuge in the cave of Adullam, attracting those who were distressed, in debt, or discontented (1 Samuel 22:1-2).
1Sa 22:1,2 And David left there and escaped to the cave Adullam. And his brothers and all his father’s house heard, and went down to him there. And David left there and escaped to the cave Adullam. And every man in distress, and every man who had a creditor, and every man bitter of soul, gathered themselves to him. And he became commander over them. And about four hundred men were with him.
David gathered a group of loyal followers, including his brothers and other outcasts, who were drawn to his leadership and bravery .
2Sa 3:1 And there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David became stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.
2 Sa 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was swift with his feet, like one of the gazelles in the field.
All these three were his nephews, being the sons of Zeruiah, David’s sister.
David attracts the valiant soldiers of the Army of Saul his enemy
2Sa 3:12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? He said, Cut your covenant with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Israel to you.
2Sa 3:21 And Abner said to David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and so that you may reign over all that your heart desires. And David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.
1Ch 12:1, 2 And these were the ones who came to David to Ziklag, while banned from the face of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war, right and left-handed, armed with bows, with stones, and with arrows, with the bow from the brothers of Saul, of Benjamin.
1Ch 12:21 And they helped David against the band, for they were all mighty men of power, and were commanders in the army.
1Ch 12:22 For at that time they came to David day by day to help him, until it was a great army, like an army of God. 1Ch 12:8 And of the Gadites mighty men separated themselves to David into the stronghold in the wilderness, men of the army for battle, setting in order shield and buckler, and their faces were the faces of a lion, and as gazelles on the heights for swiftness:
Mighty men
David’s army included a group of mighty warriors, known as “The Three” and “The Thirty,” who were renowned for their bravery and loyalty (2 Samuel 23:8-39).
2 Sa 5:10 And David went on and became great, and Jehovah, the God of Hosts was with him.
David’s army grew as he gained support from the tribe of Judah, his own tribe, and other Israelites who recognized his leadership potential (1 Samuel 23:16-18).
Dear Soldier of AOJ,
Still do you have queries like how to start the first Troop? I don’t get people for my Troop.
Go to the hospital, park, houses, railway station, bus stops, etc…. look for the sick, stranded, depressed, rejected, ostracized from the society and Church, those who are in problems etc. They would have undergone a lot of experiences which you require in fighting a battle. They will be of great help to you. David started with 400 of such men.
Slowly the Lord will bring experienced people whom you require for expanding your Troop in the places where the Lord wants, in the medical field, IT field, in farming, developing family relations, in worshipping etc.
Don’t ignore or take any Troop Church member easily. Each one is required to build up the Church of Jesus Christ.
“Listen carefully. When I choose a believer, I don’t call him without a purpose. I bestow on him a special grace for a special ministry.
Do you employ any labourer in construction but give him no work (mason, plumber, electrician, digging, engineer, supervisor, wiring, tile works etc.) and then pay him salary at the end of each week without doing any work?
The primary duty of the church is to find out the particular gift in a believer and facilitate its growth. The church should see that “A” becomes fully grown into the special calling or gift he is given. (Quotation from Model Church)
David’s victories:
David’s military victories, such as defeating the Philistines and other enemies, helped to build his reputation and attract more followers (1 Samuel 23:1-12, 2 Samuel 5:17-25).
2Sa 5:3 And all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. And King David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Jehovah. And they anointed David king over Israel.
Hebron: David was anointed king over Judah in Hebron, and his army continued to grow as he established his kingdom (2 Samuel 2:1-7).Jerusalem: David’s capture of Jerusalem and its establishment as his capital further solidified his position and attracted more supporters (2 Samuel 5:6-12).
Leadership and Faith
David’s leadership: David’s leadership, bravery, and trust in God inspired loyalty and confidence in his followers.
Divine guidance: David’s reliance on God’s guidance and wisdom helped him make strategic decisions and navigate challenges.
The growth of David’s army was a gradual process, driven by his leadership, military victories, and the support of various groups within Israel.
You will grow in leadership, divine guidance as you go on establishing more Troop Churches.