One unspoken lesson from the parables of the talents and minas is the realisation of the community relationship that should exist amongst those entrusted by the Lord with the talents (minas) with purpose!

One of the best illustrations of this is found in 1 Chronicles 19 where David’s kindness was abused, his envoys shamed, and he was drawn into a war that he did not initiate. The Ammonite King Harun would destroy Isreal, hiring mercenaries to join his army in a massive invasion of Israel.

In the preparation for this battle of survival, listen to the construct of the battle plan of Israel in 1 Chronicles 19:8-13, noting verses 12 and 13.

When David learned of this, he sent Joab and the mightiest warriors of Israel. The army of Ammon went out to meet them and began the battle at the gates of the city of Medeba. Meanwhile, the mercenary forces were out in the field. When Joab realized that the enemy forces were both in front and behind him, he divided his army and sent one group to engage the Syrians. The other group, under the command of his brother Abishai, moved against the Ammonites. “If the Syrians are too strong for me, come and help me,” Joab told his brother; “and if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I’ll come and help you. Be courageous and let us act like men to save our people and the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is best.” 1 Chronicles 19:8-13 TLB

How or what is your disposition to your brother or sister in the community of believers in the face of challenges? Have you thought of the implication that competition and self-seeking ego could have on the large community of your Christian family or fellowship? Are you aware of your responsibility toward the salvation and wellbeing of your brethren?

We cannot live under the principles of Werner Herzog whose movie of 1974 and memoir of 2022 came up with the philosophical conclusion, an accepted saying today, “every man for himself, God against all.” His statement emphasises the absurdity of society and the vulnerability of the individual, reflecting the weakness of the tension between individual struggle and societal forces.

No wonder the scripture taught us severally about the power of unity particularly under God’s covenant. Joshua 23:10 (TLB) emphases that victory in battle is not solely due to human strength but is granted by God’s intervention, a truth echoed by the Lord in Matthew 18:19-21.

Each one of you has put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised. Joshua 23:10 TLB

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20

Emphasising the power of agreement in prayer in the fellowship of believers, the Lord teaches us that when two or more people unite in FAITH and PURPOSE, asking God for something according to His will, their prayers are specially effective because God honours their unity (Matthew 18:19-20).

The wise man also wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 drawing from his father, David’s life, spoken to in 2 Samuel 23:9-10.

Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. Also, on a cold night, two under the same blanket gain warmth from each other, but how can one be warm alone? And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 TLB

Next in rank was Eleazar, the son of Dodo and grandson of Ahohi. He was one of the three men who, with David, held back the Philistines that time when the rest of the Israeli army fled. He killed the Philistines until his hand was too tired to hold his sword; and the Lord gave him a great victory. (The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the loot!). 2 Samuel 23:9-10 TLB

Consider and answer for yourself the questions raised earlier today because our survival in today’s battle depends on the relational disposition between us. Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele