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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LESSONS FROM THE TENTS OF THE RECHABITES PART 5D “HAVE NONE” — FREEDOM FROM POSSESSION AND CONTROL

LESSONS FROM THE TENTS OF THE RECHABITES
PART 5D “HAVE NONE” — FREEDOM FROM POSSESSION AND CONTROL


Jeremiah 35:7 (KJV)

“Neither shall ye… have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.”


Scriptural Focus

“Have none” was not a command to live empty or impoverished lives. It was a lesson in freedom from control. Possession has power. The more we own, the more we are tempted to protect, defend, and prioritize what we have. God was teaching the Rechabites that obedience must never be owned by possessions.


Meaning in Our Time and Dispensation

Spiritual Dimension — When Possession Replaces Dependence

Possessions can quietly become sources of security. What we own begins to replace who we trust. God stripped that illusion early.

Lesson: Dependence on God weakens when dependence on things increases.


Physical Dimension — Mobility Over Weight

The more we carry, the slower we move. Physically and practically, excess reduces flexibility. The Rechabites remained light, able to move when instruction or danger came.

Lesson: Sometimes God calls us to reduce, not accumulate.


Emotional Dimension — Letting Go Without Fear

Ownership often ties emotion to control. Loss then feels like identity collapse. “Have none” trained them to lose without breaking.

Lesson: What you can release easily cannot imprison you.


Material Dimension — Stewardship Without Hoarding

This instruction did not cancel provision. It refined stewardship. God wanted them to manage life without hoarding security.

Lesson: Provision flows best through open hands.


Social Dimension — Living Outside Comparison Culture

Possession fuels comparison. Comparison breeds competition, envy, and pressure. The Rechabites escaped that cycle by refusing accumulation.

Lesson: Peace increases when comparison decreases.


Key Takeaway

“Have none” is a call to freedom.

It teaches us that:

Possession must never replace purpose

Control is not security

Light lives move faster in obedience


Verse of the Day

“Neither shall ye… have any…”

— Jeremiah 35:7 (KJV)


Prayer

Lord, Free my heart from unhealthy attachment. Teach me to trust You more than what I own. Help me to live light, obedient, and available. Amen.


Looking Ahead

In the next message, we arrive at the posture that ties all the instructions together — a way of life, not just a command.

“DWELL IN TENTS” — LIVING AS STRANGERS WITH PURPOSE


📖 Jeremiah 35:7


This Week

Identify one thing you are holding too tightly.

Practice releasing control in an area God is leading you.

Choose freedom over accumulation.

If this word challenged you, let it guide your family, friends, and community.

If it spoke to you, let it speak through you.

Obedience is the seed that grows into legacy.

God is speaking, are you listening?




Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(EL-PJ God’s Penman)

God is speaking, are you listening?


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