Ever Ready

I Chronicles 27:1–6, 23–24

“This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men. In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jashobeam son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men in his division. He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army officers for the first month. In charge of the division for the second month was Dodai the Ahohite; Mikloth was the leader of his division. There were 24,000 men in his division. The third army commander, for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. He was chief and there were 24,000 men in his division. This was the Benaiah who was a mighty warrior among the Thirty and was over the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was in charge of his division… David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less, because the LORD had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky. Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. God’s wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering, and the number was not entered in the book of the annals of King David.”

God wants us to trust in Him, and He deisres for us to be prudent as well. Israel was to be ever-ready because of its position, it is prone to attack from external powers that seek the wealth of the land. The bible says, the naive believes everything, But the sensible considers their steps (Prov 14:15). Our LORD reminded His Apostles to be wise as serpents and yet gentle as doves because He was sending them as sheep among the wolves of the world (Matt 10:16). Bible commentator John Gill in his exposition writes, “the serpent is a very sharp sighted, cunning creature, and uses various arts and stratagems for its own preservation, and especially of its head; and is so far to be imitated by the followers of Christ, as to make use of all proper methods to preserve themselves from the insults and rage of men, and not expose themselves to unnecessary dangers: and, as much as in them lies, they should be careful to give no just occasion of offence, or irritate, and provoke them to use them ill, and to avoid all snares and traps that are laid for them; and, at the same time, maintain the innocence and harmlessness of the dove, being free from all wicked cunning and craftiness, without rancour, malice, and wrath; not meditating and seeking revenge, but meek and humble in their deportment, leading inoffensive lives, and proceeding in the course of their calling, though liable to many insults, and much oppression.” God wants us His children to be wise in all our dealings and move in the world where He placed us in grace and peace despite the enemy prowling about like a roaring lion seeking to devour, and so the Apostle Peter urges us to be sober and alert (I Pet 5:8). Let us pray and daily ask for wisdom like we do for our daily bread, and indeed we do not live on bread alone (Deut 8:3, Matt 4:4), but the truth that proceeds from God (Prov 2:6), it is something God generously gives (Jam 1:5). The Living Life writer comments, “the enemy may lie in constant wait to attack us and cause us to sin, but may we remain alert and close to God so that we are always ready to fight.” Holy Spirit be with us every single day. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.