Attached

remember that classic holiday movie "a christmas story?" i know we've all seen it about a hundred times and could quote at least half of it. one of my favorite parts is the infamous triple-dog-dare that pits ralph's buddy's tongue against the freezing cold flag pole. it's absolutely hilarious to see a kid flailing his arms with his tongue attached to that pole. what a great moment.

a "similar" story is found in 2 samuel 23, the story of Eleazar, one of David's mighty men. having been abandoned by the rest of his army in a battle with the dreaded Philistines, Eleazar "stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword" (v.10). that's right, his hand froze to his sword as he layed waste to probably several hundred men. what a great warrior.

the account of Eleazar causes me to ask the question, "what have i attached myself to in life?" it's easy to take hold of money, a job, comfort, a girlfriend or boy friend, even your best friends or family. but our grip can easily slip from these things, leaving us unarmed in the spiritual battles we face. but Eleazar was attached to his sword and fought bravely. that's why i love his story and want to emulate his stance. i want to hold on to God's word as i go to battle each day. i need to take hold of the eternal life he's called me to as i fight the good fight of faith (1 timothy 6:12). and i long to take Jesus by the hand and hold unswervingly to the hope he's promised (hebrews 10:23). for Eleazar, it says in v. 10 that "the Lord brought about a great victory that day." and i have no doubt the same will be for us who attach our lives to Him.