También disponible en españolThe prodigal son had gone astray. His thirst for power fueled his desire to have it all; ignoring the fact that all was already his. His sight lost in the horizon of his fantasies. His ways departed from the reality of the raging battle taking place in the forest nearby. He went for a ride. Sitting on a mule’s back, a privilege reserved for the true ruler, his father, he got distracted by his own megalomania. His mind entangled in his own deliriums left his head entangled in the thick branches of a large oak tree. His body swaddled in midair, while his kingship dreams kept on riding, made him the perfect target and three javelins flew from the bushes spearing his inflated heart.
Ahimaaz Benzadok was surprised by the rumors while bended tying his running sandals. After confirming the devastating news, his warm sweat from loosening up and stretching turn to cold sweat. “There is no reward in bearing bad news,” he considered briefly. Shaking his head, he dripped away this selfish thought and flash-forward to King David mourning the death of his son, Absalom, who he loved beyond his ways.
It was very typical in ancient armies, when instant communications, only made possible by modern technology, did not exist, to appoint messengers to carry the news from the battlefield. Brave men who made running their profession; Kukini fitted by “strenuous physical and mental training to become swift foot runners.” [1] Ahimaaz and his Ethiopian running partner were up to the task. They had trained for such a time like this; they felt ready, and they came to their commander, Joab, for instructions.
Joab told Ahimaaz he was not to run this time and sent off his friend instead. He pleaded the commander for the second time, “Please let me run,” to what Joab responded: “But, Ahimaaz, don’t you realize that the prince is dead. The king is not going to like what you have to say. Besides Ethiopians and Kenyans are among the fastest men on earth and he took off several minutes ahead of you. You will not get there on time. Don’t you realize that a Kenyan will win the L.A. Marathon in 2009 and an Ethiopian will take second place?” – “Well, let 2009 not be the first time in history an Ethiopian finishes in second place,” and urging the commander for the third time, he said (2 Samuel 18:23, NIV),
“"I want to run!" So Joab said: "Run!"”
Ahimaaz took off that day and ran the race of his life. Only one thought provided him with enough fuel to propel him through the thick forest: “I can’t let the forest spears also pierce the heart of my king.” With every strike, he built the glazing trails behind where there were none; dodging through the very same oak trees that trapped Absalom to death. He outran his partner. As he rushed down the hills to bring the good news, his feet were beautiful messengers of hope. When the king saw him he was comforted in his heart, (2 Samuel 18:27, NIV),
“He’s a good man… He comes with good news.”
In our race of faith, we should all learn from Ahimaaz. He did not get discouraged or distracted from his purpose; three times he was persuaded of not running, and three times he insisted to do what he was appointed to do. He did not get intimidated by the skill set or abilities of his partners, instead, he ran to win. He maintained the clarity of his purpose and understood the heart of his king, who appreciated his goodness.
Above all this, he focused on the message to be delivered: the good news that the kingdom had been established and the king remains on his throne. He understood the power of sharing good news even in the midst of despair; he preceded the favorable report ahead of the not so pleasant. Good news, or euangelion, should dictate the purpose and focus of our race of faith. We have been fitted for such a time like this and are urged to bring the word of peace during our current times of job market anxieties, economic downturns, family crises, and worldwide uncertainties. We need to shoe the footgear of the Gospel of Peace and remember what the prophet said, (Isaiah 52:7, The Message):
“How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger bringing good news,
Breaking the news that all's well,
proclaiming good times,
announcing salvation,
telling Zion: Your God reigns!”
[1] Kukini, Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukini), Last Accessed, August 10, 2009.
1 comments:
Amen brother...there is no greater peace than the one that is given by our awesome GOD. Jehovah Shalom !!!
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