In this passage, we see David going up against another giant, but unlike his battle with Goliath, this time, he was losing. This battle takes place near the end of David's reign and the end of his life. He is old, tired and weary. Years of war, famine, destruction, family troubles and much more have taken their toll on him, and he has nothing left to give. Had it not been for one of his mighty men, this may have been David's last battle.
Fortunately, Abishai was paying attention. He saw the need of his king and moved to action. Though encompassed in his own battle and focused on his own enemy, this mighty man looked beyond his own needs and his own weariness and saw someone else's need. And as soon as he saw what was going on, Abishai stepped forward and slew David's giant.
We are all facing battles and fighting giants every day. I completely understand that, but I'm afraid sometimes we get so focused on our own battles that we fail to see the things that others are going through and to offer them aid in their time of need. Perhaps it's a friend who has a financial need, and while you don't have much, you have enough to help a little. Or maybe it's that single mom who needs someone to offer to watch her kids for the afternoon so she can have some time to herself. Or perhaps it's that shut-in that just needs a listening ear and a smiling face.
There are so many out there who are just like King David. They are tired, weary and feel like they have nothing left to give. They need an Abishai. They need someone who is willing to stand up and face their giants. It may be as simple as a phone call or as elaborate as a large financial donation, but no matter how big or small it may seem in our eyes, it may be the thing that keeps that other person from giving in, giving up or being completely defeated. The question is, are we willing to step up, like Abishai, and give of ourselves to help someone else?
In closing, let me address one more point. David was the king. He was the giant slayer. He was a man after God's own heart. In the eyes of his people, he was all that and much more. That being the case, it would have been easy to overlook his need. Sometimes we forget that the encouragers need to be encouraged, that those who give need to receive, and that those who seem invincible are not. We tend to overlook the fact that pastors, teachers, counselors and other people in ministry often grow weary in well doing and feel like their efforts are in vain. We forget that they face giants on a daily basis too, and in that forgetfulness, we take for granted the help and encouragement they give to us because we don't understand what it is costing them. It's difficult to continue offering encouragement while never receiving any in return.
So, I urge you today to seek out those who are weary or hurting and to do what you can to help slay their giant. Go out and be an Abishai today!
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