1
Chronicles 11 reminds me that we were not designed to be loners. The
chapter shows the importance of surrounding ourselves with people of
character. In life, we have times of triumph and times of failure.
It is the people nearest us that help us survive both.
The
chapter begins with David achieving national prominence. David was
being recognized as king over the entire nation of Israel. “All
Israel came together to David at Hebron… ‘Even while Saul was
king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns’…
‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their
ruler.’ …and they anointed David king over Israel, as the Lord had
promised through Samuel“.
Of course, everyone loves a winner. The chapter continues with the
establishment of the capitol city. “David
and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem… David captured the
fortress of Zion… David then took up residence in the fortress, and
so it was called the City of David… And David became more and more
powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him“.
It is good to be king, but God had prepared him for leadership
through the tough times while he was on the run. Is God preparing
you for something greater?
The
rest of the chapter talks about “David’s
mighty men“.
These men “gave
his kingship strong support“.
As each name is mentioned we read of an act of bravery they
performed in battle. We tend to believe that they were just
naturally gifted with greatness. But who were these mighty men? 1
Samuel 22 describes these men when they first came to David’s side
while he was on the run, hiding in a cave and in fear for his life.
“All
those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around
him, and he became their leader“.
You see, they only became mighty men after they allowed David to be
their leader. There is a warning that we need to be very careful who
we allow to lead over us. It is important to point out that David’s
single greatest attribute was he was never hesitant to “inquire
of the Lord“.
When David was not looking up, he was held accountable by the men
around him. Our society loves to tear down people in authority, but
1 Timothy chapter 2 reminds us to pray for our leaders, “that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
reverence“.
How are you blessing those in authority over you?
The
chapter lists “the
chiefs of David’s mighty men… Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of
the officers… Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite…
Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three… Benaiah son of
Jehoiada… David put him in charge of his bodyguard“.
The chapter ends with a list of the rest of “the
mighty men“.
I bet none of them considered themselves special, but it shows what
God can do with open hearts. Are you feeling less than mighty
today? Good, that is when God can use us for His purposes! David
and his rag-tag group initially faced difficult times, but they
continued to honor God. Romans 5:3-5 reminds us, “but
we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now
hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us“.
Nothing can overcome the love of God!