THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS

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THE LION, THE PIT, AND THE PROMOTION PART 1: THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPLOITS   2 Samuel 23:20–23 (NKJV) "Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day."   Some people become known for their positions, while others become recognised for their exploits. In the Bible, Benaiah was one man whose courage and extraordinary deeds distinguished him among David's mighty warriors. His story is fascinating, but before we examine the lion, the pit, and his eventual promotion, let's first understand the man behind these remarkable achievements. 1. A MAN WITH A BACKGROUND Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a valiant man from Kabzeel. He was not an ordinary warrior. Scripture records several extraordinary victories that distinguished him among David's mighty men. His background introduces us to a family ass...
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DIVERSE HANDS, ONE MISSION PART 2 – THE INVITATION BEFORE THE ASSIGNMENT

DIVERSE HANDS, ONE MISSION
PART 2 – THE INVITATION BEFORE THE ASSIGNMENT


Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”


🔁 Recap From Part 1 – God In The Ordinary

In Part 1, we saw how that Jesus met Peter and Andrew at the Sea of Galilee — in their workplace, during their routine, while casting nets. We established three powerful truths:

God calls people in ordinary places.

Faithfulness in routine attracts divine attention.

Your profession does not disqualify you.

The shoreline was not random — it was preparation ground.

Now we move deeper. It is one thing to be seen by Jesus. It is another thing to be invited by Him.


After observing their diligence… After seeing their consistency… Jesus speaks.

And His first words are not instructions. They are invitation. “Come, follow Me.” Before authority. Before miracles. Before public ministry. There was closeness.


Kingdom Principle #1: Relationship Before Responsibility

Jesus did not start with:

“Preach.”

“Heal.”

“Build.”

“Organize.”

He started with: Follow Me. The Kingdom does not begin with performance. It begins with proximity. In our generation, many want: Platform before process. Influence before intimacy. Impact before instruction.

But Jesus reverses the order.

Follow leads to Becoming, and Becoming leads to Being Sent.


Kingdom Principle #2: Transformation Before Deployment

Notice the promise: “I will make you fishers of men.” That means: They were not yet formed. They were not yet equipped. They were not yet spiritually matured. Jesus did not call them because they were ready. He called them because they were available. Following produces formation. Formation prepares for function.


Kingdom Principle #3: Identity Before Activity

Before they did Kingdom work, they had to belong to the King. Activity without identity leads to:

Burnout

Competition

Comparison

Insecurity

But identity rooted in Christ produces:

Stability

Unity

Confidence

Cooperation

And this is critical for our theme: Diverse hands can only function in unity when they follow the same Master.


What “Follow” Really Means

To follow a rabbi in that culture meant:

Live with him

Learn from him

Imitate him

Adopt his worldview

It was total alignment.

Jesus was not recruiting workers. He was forming disciples. And discipleship is the foundation of sustainable mission.


Leadership Insight

If leaders do not follow deeply, they begin to compete horizontally. But when leaders follow vertically, they cooperate horizontally. This is how diverse giftings remain unified.


Practical Application

Ask yourself:

Am I chasing calling more than Christ?

Do I want assignment more than alignment?

Have I replaced intimacy with activity?

The invitation still stands today: Come.


Reflection Questions

What does following Jesus look like in your daily routine?

Are you allowing Him to “make” you?

What areas of your life still resist alignment?


Call To Action

Prioritize intimacy. Strengthen your prayer life. Deepen your study of the Word. Choose formation over fame.

Let Him make you.


Prayer

Lord Jesus, Thank You for inviting me before assigning me. Teach me to value relationship above responsibility. Form my character before You expand my influence. I choose to follow You fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Next Part Preview

In Part 3, we face the next dimension:

“Leaving the Nets: The Cost of Calling.”

Because the invitation is free — but following requires surrender.

God is speaking, are you listening?


Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)

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