David's Mighty Men

In the Old Testament, we have several types (figures) of the judgment seat of Christ. I would like to look at them because they bring some very practical lessons. God wants the subject of the judgment seat of Christ to have a practical effect on us while we live in this world.

Let us open to 2 Samuel 23, where we have the review of David's mighty men. This chapter occurs at the end of David's life, when all the battles had ended and his enemies subdued. Then David examines his men and chooses some, giving them an honorable mention and a place of honor in his kingdom. David, as you know, is a figure of Christ. The review of his men is a figure of the judgment seat of Christ.

When we look at these things, you may wonder how these mighty men always accomplished such incredible feats. But if you look carefully, you will see that it is said more than once in the chapter that they were with David. That is the secret of their success. We will never accomplish anything if we have not learned to walk in fellowship with the Lord.

As I said, these figures illustrate the great principles involved in living with the judgment seat in view. We want to look at these men and obtain practical lessons for our lives. Whoever keeps watch over his master will be honored (Prov. 27:18); surely, that is what characterized them.