Are You a Mighty Warrior?

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 7

Mighty warriors of their generations... (1 Chronicles 7.2)

Devotional Thought: When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon (Judges 6), he called him a mighty man.  Gideon begged to differ with him.  He said, "You got the wrong guy, buddy!"  In the hand of the Lord, however, Gideon did turn out to be mighty. 

The sons of Tola are listed in 1 Chronicles 7, along with the wonderfully descriptive phrase: "Mighty warriors of their generations."  These men were...

·       Courageous, for they were mighty.  They were strong, not in the sense of physical strength.  Rather they were recognized as strong because they exerted themselves.  As champions of the people, they excelled above others.  Some may be content to watch others take the risk and make the effort, but these mighty men were out front, leading the charge.  Jesus promises the power of the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

·       Connected, for they were warriors.  The word used to describe these men, indicates that they were a part of an organized force, an army of soldiers.  There is strength in working together.  Lone rangers love the limelight, but team members love getting the job done.  Before Jesus did anything else, he got his disciples connected, and together, they changed the world.

·       Current, for they were of their generations. Some people live in the victories from yesterday.  Others are waiting for tomorrow.  Mighty warriors see what needs to be done today, and then they put their hands to it.  Jesus tells us to be salt and light today - in our generation.

Like Gideon, we may feel weak.  But like Gideon, like the sons of Tola, and like the Apostle Paul, God's power is made perfect in our weakness.  Then we, too, will be mighty warriors.

Prayer: Jesus, there has never been a king mightier than you, yet you laid down your life for the salvation of the world.  In that moment of 'defeat,' you defeated all the legions of hell.  Help me to be a mighty warrior for my generation.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 32.8-11

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.

11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!