How can we apply Ahimaaz's example of delivering news to our own lives? Ahimaaz’s moment in the narrative 2 Samuel 18:28: “Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, ‘All is well!’ And he bowed facedown before the king. He said, ‘Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.’” – David’s army has defeated Absalom’s rebellion. – Joab selects a Cushite to tell David the outcome; Ahimaaz begs to run as well (18:19-23). – Ahimaaz outruns the Cushite and reaches David first (18:24-27). – His very first words: encouragement (“All is well!”), worship (“Blessed be the LORD”), and clarity about victory. Qualities of a faithful messenger – Prompt obedience: once granted permission, Ahimaaz “ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite” (18:23). – Respectful posture: he “bowed facedown before the king” (18:28). – God-centered focus: gives the LORD credit before describing any human achievement. – Peace-oriented greeting: leads with reassurance rather than sensationalism. – Sensitivity: he withholds details of Absalom’s death until the Cushite arrives (18:29-32), showing awareness that timing and audience matter. Lessons for our lives • Carry the best news first—Christ’s gospel – Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Run with urgency but under authority – Check motives, ask permission where needed (church leadership, parents, ministry teams). • Lead with worship – Begin conversations by highlighting God’s goodness, not our accomplishments. • Speak peace into anxious situations – Proverbs 25:25: “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” – Simple words such as “God is still in control” can steady hearts. • Tell the truth in love – Ephesians 4:15: “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ.” – Accuracy matters as much as speed; half-truths eventually unravel trust. • Respect the listener’s frame of mind – David was grieving; Ahimaaz let another messenger supply the painful detail. – Gauge emotional readiness when sharing hard news (Galatians 6:2). • Give God the glory every time – 2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” Supporting scriptures – 1 Peter 3:15: readiness with gentleness and respect. – Proverbs 15:23: “A word spoken at the right time—how good it is!” – Isaiah 52:7: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” Moving forward Today’s disciples outrun no one on foot, yet phones, emails, and conversations give us daily sprints. Ahimaaz reminds us to: 1. Seek permission from the true King before we speak. 2. Run quickly toward people who need hope. 3. Open our mouths with worship, peace, and truth. 4. Leave listeners thinking more about God’s deliverance than about us. |
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