As I was reading today, I found myself asking Why does God spend two whole chapters telling us who stood with David?
Why all the names? Why all the tribes? Why all the numbers? And i realized these chapters aren't just about David becoming king. They're about the people who recognized what God was doing and chose to be part of it.
I smiled because I've noticed something all throughout Scripture. God rarely does anything through just one person.
Noah built the ark, but his family climbed aboard.
Moses had Aaron and Hur.
Nehemiah had families rebuilding the wall together.
Jesus had His disciples.
David had mighty men.
God has always gathered people around what He was building, and I don't think that's changed. And As I kept reading, one phrase kept catching my attention "with a whole heart." I kept noticing the theme of wholehearted devotion. Twice we're told they came with an undivided or whole heart (1 Chronicles 12:33, 38), but honestly, the entire chapter reflects that spirit. These men weren't building their own kingdoms they were wholeheartedly joining what God was already doing.
They came with wholehearted devotion. They weren't trying to build their own kingdoms or make a name for themselves. They wanted to establish the king God had chosen.
I will admit that there have been seasons when my heart has been divided. Not between God and the world, but between God's plan and my plan. God's timing and my timing. God's way and the way I thought things should happen. Wholehearted obedience means laying all of that down.
God has been speaking one word to me over and over lately, Build. It seems like every time I open my Bible, He's showing me another piece of the picture.
Today I realized He isn't just looking for builders. He's looking for wholehearted builders. People who aren't worried about recognition. People who aren't competing for a platform. People who simply want to strengthen the work God is already doing. And I want to be one of those people.
Then we get to the men of Issachar."...men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." (1 Chronicles 12:32) They didn't just understand the times. They also knew what to do. There's a difference.
Our world isn't lacking people who can point out what's wrong. Everywhere you look, someone is talking about the darkness, the problems, and everything that's falling apart. The men of Issachar did more than recognize the moment.They responded to it.
It's easy to point out what's wrong but what are we actually doing about it. And more importantly are we aware of what God says we are to do about it first. I don't want to spend my life just talking about revival. I want to help build what God is building. I don't want to spend my life pointing out everything that's broken. I want to pick up a stone and start building. I want to encourage someone. I want to disciple people. I want to strengthen the hands of others instead of competing with them.
As I closed my Bible today, one prayer kept running through my heart. Lord, let me be found wherever You're building. Not, Lord, bless what I'm building. But Lord, let me build what You're blessing.
Love Pastor Mandy
MandiesDandies / Ark of Hope
Daily Reading 1 Chronicles 11-12
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