Day 124

Not by Ourselves

Read: 1 Chronicles 10-12

The writer of 1 Chronicles now tells us the same story we studied in 2 Samuel, adding some details and omitting others. Here he tells us about all the people who helped David. Even David could not do what needed to be done by himself. So also we need to work as a team with others in the church of Jesus Christ. The New Testament makes it clear that all Christians are part of the body of Christ, with different gifts of the Spirit all to be used for God’s kingdom.

Two men helped David by each slaying 300 of the enemy at one time. Another helped by taking his stand in the middle of a field and defending it. Yet another killed an Egyptian seven and one half feet tall. Others gave help of a more intellectual nature, such as the men of Issachar who “had understanding of the times” (12:32). Today, we do battle against unrighteousness, not with spears and swords, but with understanding gained from studying the Word of God.

Yet David received help most of all from God. We are told that “David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him” (11:9). Amasai is led by the Spirit to say of David, “For your God helps you” (12:18). We need the help of other people, but far more important is the help that God will give us as we look to him in faith.

PRAYER
Father, help us to work in the church as a team always relying on you. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.