Lentils

I’ve had 2 Samuel 23:11-12 on my mind a lot lately. Little is known of Shammah’s life, but what I do know has for many years made him one of my favorite people in the Bible. His decision to fight when all others had quit has encouraged me through more rejections, disappointments, and difficult times than I can count.

Shammah stands, literally, in stark contrast to Esau, who for momentary hunger sold his birthright away for a bowl of lentil soup (Genesis 25:29-34). Shammah defended an entire field of lentils, refusing to surrender the blessing and sustenance for all his people, including all who had abandoned him.

Adding to my love for him, Shammah’s name means “wonder.” Awe and wonder are essential to me. Choosing to stay (or return) to hearing God’s voice in awe of him keeps me from thinking I need to have every answer before I can go on. Looking for him in wonder keeps my heart child–like, and is my best defense against letting resentment, callousness, and cynicism take over. Awe leads me to trust, and wonder leads me to love. And both of those give me strength to stand and fight. I pray you have a wonder–full day, and have all the strength you need to defend your field.