1 Chronicles 12

  The second half of 1 Chronicles 12 lists the men who were part of David’s army.  They were “committed” and expressed that to David and the rest of the world.  There was quite a list given in this section.  I was struck by what scripture tells us: “Hardly a day went by without men showing up to help–it wasn’t long before his band seemed as large as God’s own army!”  Nowhere does it say that David was out recruiting new people to be on the bus.  We get no indication that he had sign ups in the back of the church, or people manning the phones calling out to get people to step up.  Who wouldn’t – the only cost would be a willingness to lay down their life – right?  Guys – this is how it ought to be in our work for the Kingdom.  The ministry we are involved with should be relevant enough that men are lining up to get involved.  We shouldn’t have to beg or guilt people into it, nor should that tactic have to be used to get us to do something either.  The men in this chapter weren’t signing up for a little teaching job in church or a fix up project on a Saturday.  These guys were signing up to fight to death for David’s army.  What a different place the world would be if there were men all over the place sold out to God’s Kingdom army.  Scripture tells us these guys were “ready to fight if necessary”.  I like that description.  They weren’t out picking fights, looking for a way to exercise their muscle, but they were ready to go.  But right after we learn they were “ready” – scripture tells us this: “they were both united and determined….”  I think those two words say a lot.  In order to really make a significant and intentional impact we have to be united – on the same page.  We also have to be very determined.  Are you?