S.W.A.T.
One Year Bible May 24
2 Samuel: 4:1-6:23
S.W.A.T.
Perhaps you have watched the high-action, drama, crime show, “S.W.A.T.”
This highly skilled team relies on communication, respect, teamwork, and chain of command to survive against incredible odds as they respond to high-risk incidents involving hostages, active shooters, and extremely difficult rescues.
The secret to their success is not only their trust in each other and their willingness to follow the chain of leadership, but each member of the team also has an earpiece that is directing each step of the way. There is a control headquarters that have their back by providing them with expert advice, inside information, maps, and a way of escape when needed. Where would they be without this “voice in their ear”?
David has been the military leader of the Israelites since Saul appointed him to this position. Since this period, he has never stopped fighting against the Philistines on behalf of God’s chosen people, the Israelites. Even when he was “on the run” from King Saul, he still stood up for the people of God.
Like the S.W.A.T. commander, David always had a voice in his ear… You could say that he knew “Inside Intel” before each battle.
The “S” In S.W.A.T. is for SEEK. “And David became more and more powerful because the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies was WITH him!” (2 Samuel 5:10)
David always sought out the Lord. He seemed to ask him about every little thing. He also refused to do his own plans to promote himself to become the King of Israel.
David repeatedly respected the authority over him, even though it was unjust and wicked. He would never usurp the will of God who had placed Saul in this position as king. Nor would he allow anyone to lay a hand on Saul to harm him. Those that did would face the consequences of death.
The “W” stands for WALK. “So, David did what the Lord commanded” … (5:25)
Even when God asked David to leave this “area of safety” and head back into Saul’s trap, David went. If God said, “Do not hit them straight on,” David would “circle around” as God had instructed him to do. He followed the voice in his earpiece. He did not just sit in fear and hide. He WALKED… even into danger!
The “A” is for ASK. “So, David asked the Lord” … You will find these words over and over and over. “Should I go to fight the Philistines?” “Will my enemy betray me?”(5:19)
What is interesting is that David, as the commander, has an advantage over a normal S.W.A.T. leader. The voice in his ear even knows the hearts, motives, and intent of men! “Yes,” God told him. “They will betray you.” Wherever David walked with God, he walked in wisdom and safety.
“T” is for “Thanks”. “The Lord Did It!” (5:20)
Notice how the defeat of the enemy goes down for David. “When you hear a sound like marching feet…This will be the signal that the ‘LORD IS MOVING AHEAD OF YOU’ to strike down your enemy.” (5: 24)
Just as a highly trained S.W.A.T. team relies on each other and has each other’s backs, they also are quick to recognize that it is their team leader that ultimately has the final say in their very lives. It is their leader that must make the toughest of decisions.
The LORD ALWAYS MOVED AHEAD of David and David gave “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies” the grateful gratitude that was due HIM!
Finally, after all this long painful journey, David was placed over the entire kingdom as their king. His new home was called “The City of David.”
Let’s look back over the significance of this long ordeal…
David was 30 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for 40 years in all. It is interesting that David was 30 years old when he began to rule as king; this is about the same age as when Jesus began his earthly ministry.
For seven years and six months, he reigned over just Judah and Hebron while Saul’s relatives were still fighting against him. Before that, he served Saul, while Saul tried to kill him. The number “seven” in scripture denotes “fullness” or “completeness”.
Saul was told that his kingdom would be taken away and given to a man of God’s own choosing who would have his heart. For seven long years, David learned to listen intently to his leader for each turn in the road. The mission was accomplished within God’s timeframe…
David reigned for 40 years. This number is seen repeatedly in scripture. Forty days and nights for the flood, forty days and nights for Jesus’ temptation, forty years in the wilderness for the children of Israel; “FORTY sure is SPORTY” with God!
The number 40 often represented ‘New Life’, and ‘New Transformation’. God always completes what He says He will do, and He always does it in HIS Perfect Timing.
As you walk into this high-risk world each day, what voice do you hear in your ear?
Remember to S.W.A.T. the enemy!
