leadership – Be Still…

1 Chronicles 27:1-34 – Leadership

Read 1 Chronicles 27:1-34

David’s organizational skills were admirable. All of the men listed in this passage were leaders with great purpose. When we read lists like this, it’s helpful to remember these were actual people who lived lives during this time period. We’re given only a glimpse of the impact they made in David’s kingdom.

What were some of your observations? Did you also marvel at how concise the military assignments were made. Your tour of duty was only a month long, and the rest of the time your division was at rest or preparing for the next assignment. It was hard for me to imagine an army of 288,000 soldiers. But then I looked up the size of the United States army and that number is greater than 450,000 for Army active duty, not to mention the other branches of the military.

1 Chronicles 22:1-19 – The Temple

Read 1 Chronicles 22:1-19

Turns out the threshing floor location David purchased for his sacrifice in our last reading will become the eventual building site for the temple. Isn’t it great to see how God works behind the scenes to make things happen? God can and will use our mistakes, brokenness, and sinful decisions for good, turning them into something beautiful.

With this chapter, we are beginning the wind down of David’s reign as he prepares his successor, son Solomon. The material in this closing section of 1 Chronicles is unique to this book. We don’t have any parallel story lines from other Biblical passages. Today we see how David aids Solomon for what God will be doing in his life. Isn’t that what any good father would do, prepare their child for the future?

1 Chronicles 12:1-40 – A Popular Leader

Read 1 Chronicles 12:1-40

Today’s reading starts with a flashback. David was a mighty warrior before becoming king, and this story takes place while Saul was still on the throne. If you’re wondering why David was hiding from Saul, it was out of fear. Before his death, Saul was jealous of David’s rising popularity and success in battle.

The Chronicler picks up the story with David on the run. He was a bit of an “outlaw” because of Saul’s jealousy. David’s own wife, and daughter of Saul, had aided in his escape. You can read more about that amazing story in 1 Samuel 19:11-17.

Nehemiah 12:44-47 – Fitting In

Read Nehemiah 12:44-47

While the people celebrated the dedication of the wall, work was being done to make sure all the key ministry positions were filled. On the one hand, it seems like an odd time to be making staffing appointments; on the other hand, how brilliant to aid the selection process when plenty of people were already in attendance.

The new community needed order, and the recruitment of helpers began. It makes me think of when I would fill positions for Sunday School teachers, food donors, and other volunteers. The goal was to make our children’s ministry programs flow seamlessly. When these people receive their job descriptions, they know how they fit in.

Nehemiah 7 – What’s Next?

Read Nehemiah 7

What’s next? The construction project was done, and it was time for Nehemiah to move the people into their new, safer reality. However, the powers of evil had not been eliminated, and the threats and intimidation were still fresh. Nehemiah deemed it necessary to set up some unusual security precautions.

From what we’ve learned so far in Nehemiah, the walls and towers may have been constructed for protection, but it is really God’s protection that shines through. God is the only one we can truly count on to keep us safe.