1st Chronicles 12:2. “They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.” SKILLED…FAMOUS…UNDERSTANDING. Some combinations stand out, because when they are put together The results are such that it is obvious God made it happen. A training time when natural talents and God-given gifts are honed to use Prepares one to fit with others and together win battles to be fought.
Practice first, then the use of skill in challenging situations, Make possible the results longed for – and through them Laborers, warriors, leaders become famous; Known for their ability to accomplish difficult tasks.
But there is a third part of the trio that is the real key – Not learned by personal training or public acclamation. It comes from the use of intelligence and observation – And finds its way into the inner recesses of the soul.
With understanding to set the course of action, the three set out To serve with alacrity the Master who gives the call. The skills learned in private places are now applied – And victories for the King do now occur.
The fame of quiet, confident men who have learned To trust their God, and use their instincts In times and places in which God has placed them – Reaches to the ears of a worried public – and brings peace.
Leadership of people chosen by God Himself Is not something to be taken lightly or overlooked. The challenges that arise from time to time are met – Understanding of the times, the learn`ed skills and fame bring peace.
“Father God, I pray that here in this village and among these assemblies, there will be a strong leadership who is able to make wise decisions even when there are differences of opinions. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
The people who returned from Babylon brought a wide diversity of skills that were learned, which when used by natural ability could be used to good advantage in the rebuilding process. Diversity among the people of God today is a good thing when the natural talents of an individual and God-given gifts are put to use with those of others. Diversity of ability, and solidarity of heart, produce a special unity that meets the present need of the work of the Lord. When all of these function under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, much can be done to further the work of the kingdom of God.
As the returned exiles would go through the Chronicles, they would be reminded of the indifference of Saul to the word of God, and then the indifference of the people to the leadership of Saul. When there is indifference, confusion follows. Mixed messages create confusion and division follows confusion. When there is division, departure follow, and where there is departure, dispersion and disintegration is the result. Great nations that once were world powers are completely forgotten because of that course they followed.
Because of their devotion to David, men from all of the tribes came to David and were separated unto him. Separation just to be different has no real value and is really a sign of self-importance and self-interest. Separation from the world to our Lord Jesus Christ because of devotion to Him is a good thing. The power associated with separation "from among them" is that God is able to act as a Father to us and we live as "sons and daughters" to Him. The choices and the sacrifices we make must be controlled by His revealed will. Independent choices and self-imposed sacrifices are only just that. But when decisions, choices, separation and devotion are made by design, our Lord is honored and glorified in "our bodies and spirits which are His."
Ambitious men who had practiced their natural talents until they became proficient in using both arrows and slings with either right or left hand, would have been extremely valuable to David for both defensive and offensive positions. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have all given gifts to His people to preserve the people of God and to further the work of God. In wisdom and grace God uses our natural talents and spiritual gifts to accomplish things that are naturally impossible for us to do, and to preserve that which He has already done.
Joining David when he was in "the hold" were brave committed men of God who were not easily intimidated nor were they afraid of strong opposition. They were the kind of men who could either face down enemies on a battlefield or chase after those enemies who fled until they caught them. These men did not let normal obstacles or extraordinary obstacles turn them aside from their objective. It is important for us to have defined goals in our service for God that are consistent with His will, not our own wishful thinking. When that is the case, then we can move forward confident in the knowledge that "He knoweth the way that I take." When we are in fellowship with God, committed to His work to which we are called, and are unified with our brothers and sisters in a biblical way, we can expect divine approval as God does His will through us.
Attitude and action compliment each other as each need and each event opens up before us. David was at first skeptical of those who had been followers of Saul both by family ties and in their service for him. Some occasions arise when people have to be put to the test to see if there is reality to their profession and genuine truth in their words. When we are in doubt about a matter, we are able to confidently put it into God's hands knowing there is nothing hid from Him. The Spirit of God who came upon Amasai made it unmistakably plain with the double word, "Peace, peace," that those men of Judah and Benjamin were with him in heart. Authenticity is very hard to fake, and is quite easily discerned by those of experience who are not manipulated by prejudice or nepotism.
Determination to obey our Lord and carry out His will brings with it opportunity to meet and coordinate with others who have made the same determination. As believers in Christ we experience the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives and as we move forward, we find ourselves joining in fellowship with those all over the world who have the same commitment to our Lord. There is a sense in which caution and commitment need each other. Caution keeps us from jumping ahead too quick and commitment keeps us from lagging behind or going too slow. The guiding principle of "Them that honor Me, I will honor," will help us in discernment of the time and task to know what is true humility and what is righteous honor. Truly humble men can receive honor and it will not go top their heads.
To be gracious and quietly accepting of honor is appropriate. The brave men who came to David were given great responsibility. Responsibility requires a dignity and integrity that is evident and those who lead God's people need those qualities. Those who follow their leaders have the right to expect them to conduct themselves in a way in which they can honor them. Success and peace among God's people largely depends on the attitude and conduct of those who lead the people. Half of Manasseh came late to David, but they came - along with others from the east side of Jordan. Some of the priestly families joined David's army along with Levites who were willing to join him.
To be ready and willing to be involved in the service of our Lord is expected of us. What our role in that service is up to Him, not us. Whether many or few of those we know or are tied to by nature, join us in our desire to serve the Lord, is up to them and Him, not me. I am responsible for my actions. Some servants will be famous and their names will be on the lips of many of God's people around the world. Other names won't mean much to very many people. The common denominator we all have is our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the privilege of us all to be associated with Him whether our responsibility is to lead or to follow. Respect for our Lord and His people, is an important part of our testimony. Obedience to Him and His word makes my part in the great work of kingdom building important, whether it is obvious or unseen.
There was order and designated roles in David's camp and the focus of everyone's part in the work would be useful when it was coordinated by those who were leaders. A knowledge of what is happening and what needs to be done is important for leaders to make right decisions that affect the Lord's people and the work of an assembly. Conformity to the standards of the word of God makes unity of diverse people and gifts possible. An honest evaluation of the needs around us and the assets available to us makes it possible to bring to reality that which was once only an idea. The principle of supply and demand can be applied to our calling and the specific needs of the moment.
All of these things needed to be reviewed by those returning Israelites so they could evaluate their resources and use them all to the advantage of the work in their hands. When we know what is needed and take time to prepare those things and ourselves, then when the time comes to take action, we are ready. Any advance in the work in which we are involved needs the guidance of God. He knows the need precisely and He knows everything in which we have to be engaged to fulfill that need because He provided it.
Like David's army, God's people are very diverse, but when they come together in solidarity as a people, and are unified in purpose, then God can work through His prepared people. The more solid, devoted and committed we are, the more God provides to meet every need. The first ones came because their hearts were knit to David, but each came because something was wrong where they were. Attitudes and actions changed when they became unified around David. As others joined them the whole group became polarized into one properly functioning body because of their increasing devotion to David. Supplies came, needs were met and there was great joy even as the numbers increased. These same principles apply to the people of God today. What a joy it is to be where God wants us - gathered to our Lord Jesus Christ, and doing what He wants - "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me."
1Chronicles 12:32. “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.”
THE TIMES. The kind of men that were needed in times of war like those, Were wide and varied much to act for God. The over-riding principle of life – they wanted each to please Their king-beloved, and for his kingship stood.
There were the men of valor who were ready armed to war. There were famous men who names were far revered. There were soldiers skilled in battle, and those who went before – And their hearts were all united, as such men are rightly feared.
But a group of men stood out among that mighty army troop. Two hundred men who knew what Israel ought to do. Those men unnamed were special and were called upon when doubt, Had raised its ugly head about how the war would go.
To understand the times and of the days in which they lived – Gave them authority when decisions must be made. Discerning minds together met, giving power to what they said – And the famous and the brave knew they must follow where they led.
I live in times unusual; confusion seems to reign. What to do and how to do it, seems to escape from those who lead. I pray God will raise up understanding, faithful men – Whose knowledge of the times is from the heart, not just their heads.
To continue in uncertainty, never means I walk by faith – For the Spirit and the Word are faithful guides. Those to whom the Lord has given the will to do exactly what God says – Are those special ones who have understanding of the times.
“O Lord God of hosts: I beseech Thee in these times of crisis, to move upon the minds and hearts of some young men, and give them an understanding of our times. There are pressures from all sides to conform to the way that is most popular in churches, families, marriages and even the nations. Bring us again to the place where integrity and honor, commitment and loyalty are not forgotten. Raise up true and honorable men. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”