Let Us Play the Men
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | June 15, 2025 | Father’s Day
Turn to 2 Samuel 10:12. Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your blessings on this Father’s Day. Thank You for every father here, especially the dedicated fathers of Mission Baptist Church. Touch every unsaved soul today; may they confess Christ as Savior. Help me preach and challenge us all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On Father’s Day 2025, Pastor Bill Rains honors fathers while delivering a stirring challenge from 2 Samuel 10. When King Nahash of Ammon died, David sent messengers with condolences, but Nahash’s son, Hanun, influenced by evil princes, humiliated them, shaving half their beards and cutting their garments, exposing them to mockery. Hanun hired Syrian mercenaries, and Israel faced a surrounded army under Joab and Abishai. In this dire moment, Joab rallied his men: Let us play the men. Pastor Rains calls Christian men to rise as David’s mighty men, offering three keys: decide for Christ’s cause, stay dedicated in battle, and depend on God, trusting His will for victory.
Decide for the Cause of Christ
David’s mighty men chose to fight, becoming warriors because they valued their nation’s cause (2 Samuel 10:12). Pastor Rains urges men to decide for Christ’s cause—the greatest cause, as John 3:16 declares: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. Joshua chose, saying, As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Levi (Matthew) left his tax booth to follow Jesus (Luke 5:27-28), becoming a fisher of men. Andrew left John the Baptist for Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:35-40). Men must realize life is fleeting; only what’s done for Christ lasts. Pastor Rains challenges men to value soul-winning above all, standing for Christ in a world desperate for godly men who choose His eternal cause.
Stay Dedicated in the Heat of Battle
Joab and Abishai faced a surrounded army, yet Joab urged, Let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God (2 Samuel 10:12). Like Israel’s preemptive strike, wise men fight battles before enemies reach their families. Pastor Rains recalls his father’s words: “We fight on their soil, or they’ll come to ours.” At the Alamo, soldiers crossed a line to fight to the death, even a wounded man begging to join noble men. Men today can surrender to Satan, flee, or fight. Quitters, Pastor Rains warns, lose their families and cities to the devil, achieving nothing eternal. After 49 years in ministry, he’s seen cowards flee, but true men stay dedicated, sacrificing for Christ’s cause, refusing to quit despite overwhelming odds.
Depend on God, Regardless of the Outcome
Joab’s final words were, And the Lord do that which seemeth him good (2 Samuel 10:12). This dependence on God, win or lose, moved God to grant Israel victory as Joab and Abishai divided their forces and fought. Pastor Rains shares his own battles, admitting he could have quit but chose to fight for God and right. Men must trust God’s will, not their strength. Whether falling in battle or winning, duty is to play the men. Pastor Rains decided long ago to die nobly for Christ, not as a coward or quitter. He challenges men to stand, saying, “As for me and my house, we’ll die in the battle for Jesus,” trusting God’s outcome for eternal victory.