Frontline Faith

Today’s Verse:

And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were. ~2 Samuel 11:15-16

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I have a very good Pastor friend in the Philippines with a very aggressive soulwinning ministry that God has blessed for many years. One of the great secrets of his outreach success is the usage of soulwinners he refers to as “frontliners”. Beside these frontliners, there are 30-35 additional leaders who have been trained to lead the way in being the main contact for first time and returning visitors to the church. They are the people who are in the midst of all the action that goes down. In the military and sales world, a frontliner serves in a very critical role for the advancement of an organization. This morning, let us consider the importance of being frontline Christians.

We see the RESPONSIBILITY of a frontline Christian.

Our devotion this morning centers itself on a soldier in David’s army named Uriah the Hittite. Uriah was a descendant of the Canaanites, but converted from paganism to being a believer of the living God. His very name means “Jehovah is my flame”. A frontliner is a man on fire for God. He is burning constantly in his heart to accomplish something for the Lord. A frontliner is a man fearless for God. He knows that being assigned to the frontline is not a role every man accepts. However, he accepts this responsibility with the idea he will need extra training and sharpness in order to survive. A frontliner is a man filled with faith. His very role speaks of the fact that the advancement of his army depends upon him. He pushes forward and makes openings for the advancement of his troop. The success of many campaigns is attributed to frontliners who pave the way.

We see the RISKS of a frontline Christian.

We read that Joab assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were. A frontliner places his life on the line in every campaign. He fights his battle as if it might be his last. He realizes he is in a place where it may not be possible for someone else to watch his back. He could hit by a stray arrow. He could be speared from the side or behind. He could be outnumbered by the enemy. Others could desert him. A frontliner accepts many risks. As we serve the Lord, we must realize that the Lord needs frontliners. He needs men who will accept the risks that could injure or mortally wound him. Our Baptist history is filled with stories of great courage of those endured such risks.

We see the REDUCTION in frontline Christians.

Sadly today, there are less and less Christians who are willing to be frontliners. They would rather retire to the back of the troop and hope someone else will stand in the front. They don’t mind reaping the rewards of a campaign, but not at their expense. This reduction is seen in the decreasing numbers surrendering to go the foreign mission field. We see this reduction in the number of people willing to commit to organized soulwinning and outreach in our churches.

We see the RECOGNITION of frontline Christians.

Uriah accepted his place in the fiercest place of battle. He died on the battlefield. He died for what he believed was a right cause. If given the opportunity to live his life again, he would have gladly been a frontliner again. We read in II Sam. 23:39 that Uriah was counted among 37 men recognized as David’s mighty men. I believe it might be said that he is given an anonymous mention in Heb. 11:37 where it says, “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.” God recognizes those who make the sacrifices of being a frontliner.

Will you be a frontliner? Will you let the flame of God burn in your heart to represent our Lord where men of faith and courage are needed?

Have a faith-endued God Morning!

#2Samuel #Courage #Loyalty