A Lion In A Pit On A Snowy Day

By Ed Wittlif

"Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a mighty man of Kabzeel, mighty in deeds, struck down the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion inside a pit on a snowy day" (I Chronicles 11:22 NASB).
     To jump down into a pit with a lion when the footing isn't the best is quite a deed. I wonder what Benaiah's motivation was. It certainly was a great deed.
     Most of us would like to do some great deed for the Lord. Because of that attitude we can feel like failures as Christians. Jesus said in the parable of the talents, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things" (Matthew 25:21).
     As we go through life, we fail to recognize the small deeds that we do – deeds such as going to work faithfully, being honest, meeting simple needs of others, and being consistent in assembling with brethren. Everyday things that aren't extraordinary please our Lord.
     When we do everyday things that are unimportant in the world's eyes, God is preparing us to be able to do more. If we are faithful to take care of the small things, then our opportunities to do good deeds in the name of Jesus will increase. Like the ones on the right in the judgment scene we might say "Lord, when did we?" (Matthew 25:34-40). When we submit to God's will and allow our lives to changed, we don't keep track of our deeds because we have a new nature, a servant heart. God keeps track and He is pleased.
     To hear Jesus, say, "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into your Master's rest." When I stand before Him, that's what I long to hear. Knowing that I have pleased Him will be a great blessing.

- Ed Wittlif is from Denver, CO; via the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. Joe Slater serves as minister and he may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com