Rhapsody Of Realities 6 April 2024 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy) – Courage, Resilience And Strength
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TOPIC: Courage, Resilience And Strength (Rhapsody of Realities 6 April 2024)
Be strong and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight (1 Samuel 4:9).
Rhapsody Of Realities For Today’s MESSAGE:
In 1 Samuel 4:1-9, the Israelites faced the Philistines in battle and were defeated, losing about four thousand men. Troubled, the elders of Israel decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh, hoping it would save them from their enemies.
There was a great shout as the Ark arrived, and the Philistines, hearing it, became afraid. They expressed concern about facing the mighty God of the Hebrews. Still, in response, the Philistine leaders urged their people, “Be strong and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men and fight” (1 Samuel 4:9).
Also Read: Open Heaven 6 April 2024 – The Anointing Can Be Dangerous
The phrase “quit yourselves like men” in this context means to “be a man” or “act like a man.” This instruction encouraged them to demonstrate strength, courage, and resilience in facing challenges or adversity. They went out and fought more fiercely, ultimately defeating the Israelites.
In 1 Kings 2:2, in his final days, David charged Solomon, saying, “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man.” Interestingly, David didn’t instruct Solomon to show himself as a king or a prince even though Solomon was crowned king.
Instead, the emphasis was on him demonstrating qualities of leadership and strength. Since David was a man of war, he encouraged Solomon to be strong, courageous, and resilient in the face of adversity.
In the New Testament, Paul made a similar call when he preached to God’s people in 1 Corinthians 16:13, saying, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” The phrase “quit you like men” is a specific expression urging the Corinthian Christians to embody qualities associated with leadership, resilience, and strength.
It’s essential to note that the expression doesn’t address gender but emphasizes courage and resilience in the context of faith and steadfastness.
CONFESSION
I’m full of courage, resilience, and strength. I’m strengthened to stand firm in faith and produce a legacy of leadership in my family, community, nation, and beyond, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Joshua 1:7 NIV – “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9—Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, nor be thou dismayed; for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 11:1-13; Judges 1-2
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 8:1-11; Psalm 10
Remember to share with all your friends and loved ones today. Thank you, and God bless you richly.
Rhapsody of Realities 2024 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.)—President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.
