A Snowy Day

Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. I Chronicles 11:22 NKJV

A pristine snow covered the ground, covered the snags, and leveled the dips. The sun glistened and sparkled in the cold. Benaiah trudged home alone across the snow. He pulled his cloak close as the wind whipped around him. He had walked since sunup and now the cold was beginning to bite through his whiskers. Perhaps he should look for shelter, but where in this barren land? 

There, a hole in the snow. Perhaps there was a cave. Benaiah moved closer. A thatch partially covered the hole as if something or someone had fallen through. Again, the wind whipped his cloak, reminding Benaiah he needed to find shelter soon or he would succumb to the freezing temperature. He hoped no one or nothing was still in the pit. Grabbing a piece of the thatch he lowered himself into the dark pit. 

A low growl came from the dark end of the pit, growing louder and coming closer. As it entered the light of the hole, Banaiah saw a huge male lion shaking his head from side to side as he continued to growl at the man who invaded his privacy. 

The growl became a roar. Benaiah reached for his sword tucked under his cloak. He snatched the lion's mane before it could lunge for him. In warrior motion, Benaiah swiped his sword across the bare part of the lion's neck, slicing through to the jugular vein. The lion reared back, pawed the air, then dropped to the floor of the pit. Benaiah wiped the blade clean across the fur of the lion before tucking it away. The odor of blood was nauseating. The smell was not unfamiliar to Benaiah who fought many battles for David. He would rest before facing the snow and cold again in the morning. 

It seems odd to find such a story in the middle of the stories of David's mighty men. There was no one involved but Benaiah. His act was one of self-defense. Maybe a closer look will show us the heavenly meaning behind this earthly story. 

When I think of snow, I think of beautiful, quiet, and peaceful. Serene in all its glory, but is it? The snow completely covers the ground causing us to miss the dips and pits that trip us and cause twisted ankles, broken legs, and tragic falls. And so the world looks good. It promises beauty and peace and a prosperous life. When we try to find our hope in the things of the world, it covers the pitfalls and hides the tragedies.  

We often think we can shelter in our families, friends, and even church. We should never let our guard down. For Satan, walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He may lie quiet as a small thing in our lives and homes but his roar will grow in intensity unless we, like Benaiah, are armed with the sword of the Lord. Jesus used scripture to thwart Satan's temptations in the wilderness. We too must be armed and ready to face our lions with the word of God. Though the battle may leave its stench in our memories, through Christ there is rest before we face another day. 

Heavenly Father, help us hide your word in our hearts that we might not sin against you and that we may stay every attempt of Satan to destroy our testimony before others. In Jesus's name. Amen