In a recent morning quiet time, I read I Chronicles 5, verses 18-22. Why don’t you read with me and follow along with what I’ve written here?

This passage is proof that the Old Testament is as worthy as the New Testament. We don’t have to understand everything. Yes context is vital, but don’t shy away from a passage because it looks like you’ve showed up in the middle of a conflict or a bigger story. Just dive in and let God’s Holy Spirit speak to you about what you read.

After all, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is a billboard scripture about God’s Word and there is no other way to interpret the first word all except as all:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful or teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Now, on to our story:

Verse 18, begins with a particular battle happening between the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. There were 44,760 men ready to serve in the military. 

Let’s focus on how these men won.

Verse 18 is full of descriptors about them. The story describes the men as:

• Ready for military service. 
• Able-bodied, and handled sword, shield and bow. 
• Trained for battle.

In verse 19 the text says they waged the war, and tells who they were fighting. It was the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Hodab. And verse 20 states they were helped in fighting the battle and God handed over the Hagrites and all their allies to them. 

Why did God hand over their enemies to them? (vs. 20)

• They cried out to Him during the battle. 

Then the text says God answered their prayers. Why?

• They trusted in Him.

3 Ways They Won:

1. They were ready and they were able bodied.

What makes me ready for battle? A habit of turning to God every morning, humbling myself before Him, saying Yes to whatever His Word says even before I read it. Asking for His help to obey with gladness of heart. 

What about being able bodied? Our culture has turned caring for our bodies into idol worship. One doesn’t have to worship one’s body, or be obsessed about one’s body all day long. The Lord wants me to take care of my body because it is His (I Corinthians 6:19-20). But also, when I take care of my body, I have the strength to love my neighbors just as Jesus said (Mark 12:29-31, Leviticus 19:17-18). And as I Chronicles 5 declares, I am ready for anything. 

You and I have equipment that we can use. The precious Holy Spirit near and dear. The Bible is our guide. Prayer is our peace. Other Christians give support. And our local church is where we gather corporately for worship, accountability, and so much more.

2. They could handle all the equipment.

We have wonderful equipment. These pieces of equipment help us live effective lives for God’s Kingdom. These are our success; our “secret sauce” to living effectively and serving other believers. Each maximize our Light showing who we are in Christ to the dark world. It serves us and others to care for our body. We only have one and stewardship of it is important to serving in God’s kingdom.

3. And then during the battle, they cried out to God.

 They won the battle because God knew that they trusted in Him. 

God is the one who looks on and knows our hearts. I’m sure that was one indicator. But I believe it was also their actions that showed God that they trusted in Him.

The result is they end up occupying the land. They gave credit to God. 

This passage reminds me that I have all the equipment I need to win the battle each and every day as I live in this dark world. When my heart is turned toward the Lord, I can cry out to God and keep trusting Him. When I honor Him, He honors me(I Samual 2:30b).

And remember, 2 Peter 1:3 tells us, we have all we need to live a godly life. God wants us to win!

©Valerie Rumfelt

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