Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 11
First
Chronicles 11 lists a group of people known as the “mighty men” of David. They are also referred to as the “thirty chiefs” or simply “the
Thirty.” These mighty men of David were a group of David’s toughest military
warriors who were credited with heroic feats. Some of these mighty men of David
had considerable military skill. David’s mighty men served an important role in
protecting the king and fighting for the freedom of their nation, the land of
Israel.
This is
a story about some ordinary guys whose reputations grow because of the way they
live their lives. They are not just men. They are men’s men. Heroes, forever
honored in the "hall of faith" of the Bible because of how they
handled their lives and their service to God and the king.
In
verse 10, we are told that these men gave David “strong support in his
kingdom.” It is so critical for any leader called by God to have a
strong support network undergirding his/her ministry. Whenever God raises up a
person to do a work, He will raise up “Mighty Men and Women” to help do that
work. David's mighty men were
mighty in valor, mighty in faith, and anointed with the power of God, and
totally supported him and his kingdom. They were not afraid to risk and to
sacrifice. They offered their lives on the altar of the king. Why? Because they
loved the Lord and believed in the king and his calling to ministry.
Oh, how
we all need people like this in our lives! People who love the Lord, who
believe in us, and believe in the ministry God has called us to. Our strength
in ministry comes from the Holy Spirit, but oh what a blessing it is when you
can rely on your support network to stand with you every step of the
way. These are the type of people who will pray for you, pray with
you, take risk and sacrifice for you, and do their best to make sure you
succeed in that thing to which God has called you.
Is God
calling you to be a mighty man or woman? Could you be a person like this in
someone’s life? Perhaps the Lord is calling you to be a blessing to someone
else in ministry – to pray for them, to support them, the help them succeed.
Does your pastor need a support team? 72%
of pastors report working up to 55 to 75 hours per week. Up to one third
of pastors struggle with anxiety and depression – sometimes because they feel
“all alone” in ministry. Every pastor needs some mighty men and women to stand
with them in their ministry, as does every missionary, every youth minister,
every Christian author, everyone who serves Christ in any manner.
Look around. Who do you
see who could use your strong support in ministry? Prayerfully ask God to make
you into their “mighty man” or “mighty woman.” Take the risk and be a hero to
someone today.
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