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Saturday July 9, 2016
Among The Number
1 CHRONICLES 11:26-47
Key Verse: “Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem” (1 Chronicles 11:26).
Those who do extraordinary things will always be counted. The Book of Numbers 25:7, 8, has an account of a worthy exploit by a young man who hated sin and moved to defend God. For that singular act, he wrote his name in gold. In today’s text, David’s success to bring the nation under his rule was because he had surrounded himself with very capable men.
These mighty men aligned themselves with David, while Saul was still reigning. They had great influence in the lives of the people when David eventually ascended the throne. You will recall that these valiant men had risked their lives to bring David water, but he refused to drink it. Their daring venture had manifested the extremity of their loyalty to him.
By the same token, David’s refusal to drink the water also manifested how deeply he valued their lives. These valiant men were listed in the text today, including the names of their fathers. It goes to show that everyone’s work is being recorded and published against the individual’s name.
We are challenged to stand up to be counted among those who risk their lives for the sake of the gospel. There were multitudes of men in Israel at that time; but only a few were marked out. Stand up for the gospel and strive never to be left out from the number of valiant and selfless men who invested their all into the gospel.
Thought for the day: Those who never dare to take risk die without garlands.
Bible Reading in one Year: 2 KINGS 20 – 21