How can Ahimaaz's determination in 2 Samuel 18:23 encourage us in evangelism today? Ahimaaz’s Unstoppable Desire to Run “Whatever happens, he replied, I will run. So Joab said, Run! Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.” (2 Samuel 18:23) Four Marks of Determination in One Short Verse • Resolve: “Whatever happens” shows a settled, unflinching purpose. • Submission: He accepts Joab’s final word—“Run!”—illustrating a servant heart. • Strategy: He chooses “the plain,” selecting the route that will speed the message. • Excellence: “Outran the Cushite” reveals wholehearted effort, not half-hearted duty. Lessons for Evangelism Today • Gospel certainty outweighs obstacles. Ahimaaz’s “whatever happens” mentality mirrors Romans 1:16—“I am not ashamed of the gospel...” • Obedience precedes results. Just as he waited for Joab’s permission, we follow Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19-20. • Wise methods honor the message. Picking the plain illustrates 1 Corinthians 9:22—using all lawful means to reach more people. • Urgency honors the King. Ahimaaz ran; Isaiah 52:7 exalts “the feet of him who brings good news.” The messenger’s haste reflects the value of the message. Practical Takeaways for Today’s Messenger • Adopt a whatever-it-takes attitude—set evangelism as non-negotiable on the calendar. • Stay under authority—respect church leadership as you share the gospel in unity. • Think through routes—use social media, coffee shops, front porches, wherever the “plain” is fastest. • Give your best effort—prepare, pray, and proclaim with energy that befits the King’s news. Scripture Fuel for Resolve • “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16) • “As shoes for your feet, put on the readiness of the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15) • “Let us run with endurance the race set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1) Following Ahimaaz, believers today can run swiftly, wisely, and resolutely, carrying the life-giving news of Christ to the world. |
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