How does Ahimaaz's persistence reflect our own desires to serve God? Snapshot of the Scene 2 Samuel 18:22: “But Ahimaaz son of Zadok insisted again, ‘Whatever may happen, please let me run behind the Cushite!’ ‘My son,’ Joab replied, ‘why do you want to run, since you will not receive a reward for your news?’” • David’s army has won; Absalom is dead. • Joab sends a Cushite runner with the report. • Ahimaaz, already told to stay back, pleads twice more to go. • Joab finally allows him, even though no reward awaits. Ahimaaz’s Persistence—What We See • Zeal unquenched: he longs to serve, even after being told “no.” • Personal cost ignored: reputation, fatigue, or danger do not matter. • Burst of energy: he outruns the official messenger. • Focus on the king: his heart is set on reaching David, not on applause. Parallel Desires in Our Own Hearts • Psalm 119:32—“I run in the path of Your commandments.” Genuine faith produces motion. • Isaiah 6:8—“Here am I. Send me!” A servant’s first impulse is availability. • Colossians 3:23—Service flows from love for the Lord, not earthly recompense. • Galatians 1:10—Seeking God’s approval eclipses human reward. Guidelines for Channeling That Zeal 1. Let truth shape passion • 2 Timothy 2:15—Handle the word accurately before sprinting into ministry. 2. Seek the Spirit’s timing • Ecclesiastes 8:6—“For every matter there is a proper time and procedure.” 3. Maintain humility • Mark 10:43-45—Greatness in God’s economy equals servanthood. 4. Finish the course • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27—Run to win an imperishable crown, disciplining body and heart. A Word of Caution • Proverbs 19:2—“It is not good to have zeal without knowledge.” • Luke 14:28—Counting the cost guards us from half-built towers of service. Zeal remains precious, yet wise preparation prevents missteps. Encouragement to Keep Running • Hebrews 12:1-2—Lay aside hindrances, fix eyes on Jesus, and run with endurance. • Philippians 3:12-14—Press on toward the upward call, refusing complacency. Just as Ahimaaz pushed past obstacles to reach the king, believers keep pressing forward, knowing the King of kings waits at the finish line. |
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