Hundreds of men defected from Saul to David during the days of David’s rejection. They saw the war was no longer between Israel and the Philistines, but between right and wrong, good and evil, truth and lies. Saul had turned on their Champion, David, the Giant Slayer, and those sick of injustice, lies, and taxes, turned and became “helpers of the war” for truth.
The Bible tells us… “everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves to David.” He would go out to meet them, and call, “If you come peaceably to me, to help me, my heart shall be knit to you!” One man shouted back, “We are thine, David! We are on your side, Son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you! And peace to your helpers, for God is helping you!” (1 Chronicles 12:18)
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” was never intended as a call to compromise, but to stand with the King of Righteousness in hostile territory. It’s a work for soldiers. God called Gideon to make peace through going to war against the idolatry in the land. And Jesus “made peace through the blood of His Cross” (Colossians 1:20).
It’s in being “helpers of the war” that we are promised “peace,” but it means putting on the whole armor of God and taking a stand with our Captain against evil. The hymn, “Who Is On The Lord’s Side?” says it well…
“Fierce may be the conflict,
Strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own army,
None can overthrow;
Around His standard ranging,
Victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging,
Makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting,
By Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side,
Savior, we are Thine!
(Hymn by Frances R. Havergal)
Devotional by Lisa Cataford
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