“Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel was another famous soldier; he did many brave deeds, including killing two great Moabite warriors. He once went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man who was armed with a spear. Benaiah attacked him with his club, snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with it. Those were the brave deeds of Benaiah, who was one of “The Thirty.” He was outstanding among them, but was not as famous as “The Three.” David put him in charge of his bodyguard” (2 Samuel 23:20-23).

     I come from a blue collar extended family. Both of my grandfathers worked for railroad companies. My grandmothers were homemakers. Most of my uncles were manual laborers. My kin are hard-working, ordinary folk.

    I feel most comfortable around ordinary people. Perhaps this is the reason I admire Benaiah. Chapter twenty-three of Second Samuel is a Who’s Who list of people that did great things. Among them is listed this ordinary fellow named Benaiah. While his accomplishments are extraordinary, Benaiah never makes the list of the top three. However, this average Joe pulls off a feat that would make Samson a bit squeamish.

     The brief story unfolds as Benaiah chases a lion into a pit on a snowy day. You read that correctly. Benaiah chased a lion! No reason is given as to why Benaiah acted so aggressively. Yet, I am confident that no ordinary person would go after an animal that has teeth five times his own size without good cause.

     Whatever Benaiah’s reasons may have been one thing is certain. Benaiah faced down his fears. Lion chasing is a counter-intuitive act. Fear is the primary enemy of faith. Fear assuages us from pursuing the opportunities God places before us.

     Yet, the New Testament claims that God’s perfect love casts out all fear (see 1 John 4:18). I am confident the reason Benaiah acted so fearlessly is because he knew God loved him and that, one way or another, God would both protect and prosper Benaiah’s life. Likewise, whenever you face a problem or a person that makes you afraid, God’s love can help put your fears to rest.

     A few years ago, my daughter sat for the NCLEX (the national nursing board examination). Prior to the test, she called to tell her mother that she was scared of failing. Her mom replied, “My dear, just know that your parents love you and God loves you no matter what. And regardless of the outcome, we are confident God will provide you with everything you will need. Allow this knowledge to give you the peace and courage always to do your best.”

 Prayer

             Lord God, there are certain people and situations that frighten me. Sometimes I shrink away from such challenges and at other times I strike out in anger. Remind me today that there is nothing I can do or face to make you love me any less. Through Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.