The Culmination Of The Whisper Series

“What Are You Good For?”

Part 4 – Culmination of the Whisper

VIDEO – Are You Equipped #1 (Available at SermonSpice.com)

David’s mighty men were misfits. Like most of us they were distressed, in debt, and discontent. However, they rallied around a common cause, rallied around one another, were willing to fight, and were willing to trust leaders. Therefore, they found their destiny and purpose. That is how we find our destiny as a body. It is also important for you to find out what you are good for. So over the last few weeks we have been examining the life of Abishai and learning principles that will assist us in find our destiny and purpose in life. We have talked about pursuing the whisper. You will remember that Abishai’s name means “The Father of a Gift”. It is important to hear the whisper of your father as He calls you the father of a gift. You have a purpose and a plan. We must tune in to the right voice. Second, I told you that Abishai was constantly pursuing that whisper by trying to give his gift. On 3 or 4 different occasions he attempts to fulfill his name. He tried something. He didn’t wait for someone to ask him he just stepped up and tried to give his gift. However, last week I told you to learn from Abishai that even though he was constantly trying to give his gift he also knew how to manage the whisper because he always asked before he struck. As little understanding as he had about timing he had great revelation about spiritual authority. So he asked before he struck. We must learn to ask before we strike and learn that refusal doesn’t mean something isn’t our gift it may just mean that our timing is off. Abishai knew how to manage the whisper because during the next 30 years of silence he is preparing. He wasn’t pouting or puttering around. He receives a promotion to captain of David’s army. He proves himself in battle by killing 300 men in one setting and 18,000 in another. He was busy. I challenged you to prepare in the quiet time. To allow God to hide you so that when your day comes you will be ready. If you fail to prepare for your chance your chance will only make you look ridiculous. God inhabits prepared places. So we have to learn to pursue the whisper and manage the whisper so today I want us to finish the story of Abishai and learn about the culmination of the whisper.

TEXT: II Samuel 21:15-17 is the text from which we find the culmination of the whisper. However, rather than read these two small verses if you will allow me I will simply conclude the part of my book that I have been reading from and tell you the story in my own words.

THE STORY ENDS:

This was not new. Year after year, decade after decade, the Philistines waged war against Israel.

David was not caught off guard. He was accustomed to these battles, and just as he had done so many times before, he dressed for war. He had fought when he was young, and the excitement of the clash of swords and sound of charging horses had caused him to walk with a spring in his step. Fear sprinkled with anxiety. Sweat from strain, but also from the constant threat of death. He lived for these moments. He had been favored by God and had always tasted the sweet savor of victory.

So, this seemed like any other year. David’s servant helped him strap on his kingly armor. He took up his royal sword and joined his valiant warriors on the battlefield. When he strode confidently to the front lines, a thunderous cheer erupted from his troops.

They were all there. Joab, Benaiah, Asahel and, of course, Abishai.

David and his mighty men gathered for battle again. Each year the result was the same. David and his mighty men walked away victors. This year, the pattern continued. Swords came together. Arrows were launched. Spears were thrust. Men fell. Philistine men fell. Confusion, discouragement, and horror overcame the Philistines as they realized that defeat would be theirs once again. The retreat began. Men turned and fled for their lives, as David’s army, tasting the familiar taste of victory, gave chase.

And therein lies the difference.

David was no longer young. Closing in on his 60th birthday, David still had the mind and determination of a much younger man. Adrenaline rushed through his veins as he watched his men cut a path through enemy ranks. It was that same adrenaline that drove him to pursue the defeated and fleeing Philistines. He strained to catch up to them only to be ensnared by his age. Exhausted, overcome by weariness and overtaken by 60-year-old stamina, David could go no further. He was so tired he actually laid down on the battle field to catch his breath. However, a defeated army can still be a deadly army.