Characteristics of a Christian Soldier

Characteristics of a Christian Soldier

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

2 Timothy 2: 1-3

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”.

2 Samuel 23:2-39 and 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 list the mighty men of valor who graced the ranks of David’s army.  Because we know little about them, we might be lead to ask, “What are the characteristics of the valiant?  Are these the same characteristics that God seeks to develop in His people that we might be mighty ones of valor in the current age and in the coming ages.”  Perhaps we can gain some insight by considering the meanings of their names.

We find the first of the mighty men described in 2 Samuel: 23:8: “These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time.”  

What does his name tell us about his character?

Josheb--“sat in the seat”

Basshebeth—“resting” (derived from Sabbath)

Tachmonite—“one who is wise”

Adino—“his adorned one”

Eznite—“he lifted up his spear”

In 1 Chronicles 11:11, he is called “Jashobeam, the son of a Hachonite” and is said to have killed 300 men at one time.

 

Jashobeam: “he who sits among the people” or “he to whom the people return:

Hachonite: the same as Tachmonite—“one who is wise.

What can we deduce about this valiant warrior who was the leader of the captains in the army of David? 

Perhaps, he is one adorned in the robe of His King, the robe of righteousness, the garment of praise (Isaiah 61:10, Isaiah 61:3.)  He sits in his seat, his designated place, among the people.  Notice that he is not seated on a throne.  He sits among the people.  He does not struggle because he rests on the promises of his Lord. Because of his God-given wisdom (James 1:5), others return to him.    

When Deborah was judging Israel, the people came to her.  She did not have to go to them. (Judges 4:5) As Christians, we are to exhibit such wisdom that people will seek us out.

The Christian warrior is Eznite who lifted his spear and routed the enemy.  We ask, “What is our weapon?”

The answer is, “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17b).

What a mighty weapon we have! 

Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Revelation 1:16: “In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.”

We must use our weapon under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 12:11-12:  "Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.''

We live in difficult times.  Our Christian faith is under attack.  However, soldiers in obedience to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords are issued the spiritual armor of truth, righteousness, peace, faith and a salvation which includes deliverance, healing and victory (Ephesians 5).

Never forget that we have the most powerful weapon and our leader is King of King and Lord of Lords.  In Him, we can be mighty in battle.