In II Samuel 23 and in I Chronicles 11, we read about a group of men known as “mighty men”. As we read through the chapter, the things for which these men were famous were recorded. The men are named, but the details of most of their heroic acts are missing.

There was a man who killed so many of the Philistines that his hand became weary and stuck to his sword. Can you imagine anyone being more valiant than this man? There was also a man that killed 800 men after the rest of the army left him.

Three of the thirty-three men mentioned in scripture were given special recognition because of their battles. Abishai, the brother of Joab, was called the “chief among three” (verse 18).

In verse 20, there is a man by the name of Benaiah, who is recognized among this group of mighty men. He is noted for having slain two lion-like men of Moab, killing a lion in a pit in the snow, and killing an Egyptian with the man’s own sword. Verse 22 says, “and had the name among three mighty men”. He was obviously considered a special man among this group of mighty men.

Verse 23 is the significant verse to me. It says, “He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.”

As good as Benaiah was, he did not attain the position of being first. How do you suppose he felt about that? He had risked his life for the king, being challenged by man and beast, yet he didn’t receive the recognition of being first.

Being first seems to mean a lot to most of us. It starts when we are children. We want to be first in the lunch line, or the first to go out to recess. Athletes want to be on the first string in basketball, baseball, football, or head cheerleader. Second place just isn’t good enough.

It doesn’t stop with children. Adults want to be the top salesman, the teacher of the year, the lead singer, the first and the best at everything. Few people are comfortable being a follower.

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 20:16, “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen”. Jesus made this statement after telling the parable of the householder. He had hired servants over the day to do a job. He offered each group the same amount of money. Those hired early in the day complained because those hired last received the same wages. Each group agreed to a salary when they were hired. They had no reason to complain.

Jesus had also had a visit from the mother of James and John, two of His disciples. She wanted Jesus to put her two sons beside Him in the kingdom, one on His right hand and one on His left. Jesus told her in Matthew 20:22, “You know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? (KJV).

Being first carries with it a great responsibility. There is the performance. Once you have reached the level of first place, you must maintain that level. That is the expectation.

This is true in our everyday living and also in our Christian life. James says in James 3:1, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation”. When we put ourselves in the position of the teacher, we incur greater judgment. This gives a whole new meaning to being in charge.

So when we have the urge to be number one, or to be in charge, remember Benaiah. Even as a mighty man of a king, he had to accept that he wasn’t number one. He did, however, do what he could.

–Sandra Oliver