January Jitters

1 Chronicles 11:10

These were the chiefs of David's mighty men--they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised.

We’re just on the third week of this new year and it seems some have already lost the glitz and joy of the season.  Highlighted by the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona, which started Monday, lawyers fear that this scrutiny, implying an undermining of the judiciary system, is endangering the country’s democracy. The back-fence talk that the president is shifting to dictatorship brings much distress especially because we feel we’ve just been there. Ironically though, such proceeding also surfaces the fact that the people’s power will make sure freedom and justice is kept. The Senate president promised that. They knew we will be watchful. We have our history to back us up.

From seventy years of exile to claiming back their homeland, we can imagine the hopes of the remnants. They probably can’t stop praising God for how He worked in the heart of King Cyrus to make them free. When they reached Zion, after settling in the towns, first on their list was what they long ago neglected: the Temple of God. Upon laying its foundations, it is said that there was mix of joyful shouts and loud weeping. The crying was from those old people who’ve seen its former glory. They knew it will take a lot of hard work to build their nation anew. With the Samaritans also occupying the land, oppositions were expected. God’s grace moved the chronicler to write chapter eleven at this time. It was the account of how the mighty David rose to power because of Israel’s support and his mighty men behind him, fighting alongside him. It features impossible exploits of individuals and God’s victory through them. Verse 9 wrote: ‘David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him’. The remnants needed to hear that part of history to strengthen their hopes and hold on to their faith. They needed to realize that the city of David became great not because of one bold man but because the people stood united and strong behind him, and foremost because God was with them.

How was your first three weeks so far?  Are you already tired, discouraged and overwhelmed? Is the thought that there’s eleven more months to your rough routine and with that difficult person enough for you to shout out that life sucks?  Well, it isn’t the first time, and you’re not the only one that road. Last year may have hit you hard and seeing January not promising either doesn’t mean it couldn’t go better. David is proof that God can raise one mere shepherd to the throne. Israel’s history is witness that battles can be won even against giants and empires. Our country survived despite leadership flaws and amidst crisis and floods. Romans 15:4 says: ‘For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.’ If we choose to put our trust in Him, He can fill us with joy and peace each day this year. We can have His strength to pursue impossible exploits and be one with our leaders in winning them. There is so much to look forward to this year. And God will make sure it will all end in praise. Happy 2012!

Courageous

1 Chronicles 7:40

All these were descendants of Asher--heads of families, choice men, brave warriors and outstanding leaders. The number of men ready for battle, as listed in their genealogy, was 26,000.

Courageous. The word sounds big and heroic. Top of mind would be firefighters. But since Sherwood Pictures already used them in the other movie, next in line turned out to be their better option: Albany’s police officers. They were men risking their lives against society’s worst. Men who were always on the watch, always on the run. What is most moving in the film was their shift from being mere policemen to becoming family protectors, that is, from extreme action to everyday actions.  An ethics site calls it moral courage, or courage demonstrated when the right thing is done, especially when others looked away or chose to do nothing. It’s when these fathers decided to be role models to their children – in faith and integrity. Like their work, the commitment requires them to be on call, meaning, ready and courageous at each call.  

Chapter seven of Chronicles was a continuation of Israel’s long list of names. Here we have the lineage of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. It still has that drone music feel with its father and son lines, but what is noteworthy was the seemingly chorus part found in verses four, eleven, and forty:  ‘They had men ready for battle’.  From Egypt to Canaan, they needed these men to preserve the twelve tribes and fight against the pre-inhabitants of the promise land. During the time of the judges, priests and kings, they were called upon to protect everyone from neighboring countries seeking conquest. Fast forward to the time of Nehemiah, these were men who were rebuilding the walls with one hand and held a weapon in the other.  They were the dependable, courageous men of Israel. They were expected to be role models. To do the right things even when others looked away or did nothing. Sadly, these men lowered their weapons and left their watch. They realized too late that t’was not with able bodies alone that they were called men of courage. When the Assyrians and Babylonians came, it was an easy sweep because the supposedly-heroes were so drunk in sin. They may look ready for battle, but they weren’t ready at all.  

According to the movie, research shows that on the increase of dropouts, kids on drugs, and teens in prison, in almost every case, each had a similar attribute: most of them came from a fatherless home. We know that it doesn’t just mean the physical absence of the leader, but when that leadership is not found. It’s when the Adams stand silent while Eves approach the tree, or when the Davids walk around the rooftop instead of fighting those battles. To us women, as much as we want our men to be courageous, or at least watch the movie, please realize we just couldn’t decide for them. Not by nagging especially. The most we can do is what Aaron and Hur did when Moses’ hands grew tired and could no longer hold it up against the Amalekites: they found a stone for him to sit on and supported his hands until sundown. Let’s pray for their battles. It’s not easy to be a man. They’re called to be strong and very courageous. But men, please remember that the remaining of the verse does not talk about being action figures. It says be careful to obey God’s word and you will be successful in everything you do. That’s what courageous really looks like: fighting alongside God’s honor and giving Him the win. Nothing’s more manly than that!

Tired and Frozen

2 Samuel 23:10

‘But he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.’

Today is Febias entrance exam day. Brings back memories. And yes, I'm one proud alumna. My five year stay inside its premises not only shaped me for ministry, it also strengthened me for life. Classroom instructions, countless readings and chapel services well provided me with biblical inputs and insights, plus of course those competent professors who inspired me with their excellence and experiences.  But what really sets the school apart is the wisdom behind the required dorm residency. It perfectly defines consistency and character. A platform to practice what is preached.  It not only reflects whether lifechange transpired, it also provides the reason why some were next called to great exploits, while others never even made it to finish. Privileged to be a dorm monitor in my time, I witnessed that distinction firsthand. Given the same requirements and responsibilities, and having comparable personal and relational issues, one part of Sharon Hall maintained  time management, self-discipline, consideration for others, and deep devotion to God, while the other part skips library time, crams a lot, delays room cleaning, complains aloud, and oversleeps. Don’t ask me which side I belong. I do have my regrets too, hahaha :>

Just before the closing rites of the book of Samuel, we find a list of David’s mighty men.  Although most were unmentioned in the earlier accounts, they were never forgotten. God saw it fit to honor their fights and faith in the end, specifically after David’s last words, for us to see that his successful journey is not without help. We should never fail to recognize those unsung heroes behind our God-given success. Their faithful prayers, warm encouragements and timely affirmations did win a lot of battles on the side. Shammah protected that field full of lentils, probably for their supplies; Josheb-Basshebeth  took eight hundred in one spear, that’s one load off from David; and Eleazar defied the Philistine ranks, supporting David in his convictions. But what is extraordinary with the Three is that they fought these battles while everybody else was retreating. They stood their ground alone and despite the odds. Eleazar’s hand was mentioned as striking the enemies till his hand froze to the sword. They never gave up and did not let go. Plus their hearts were right with God and He brought about a great victory through them.

Many people wonder why life is unfair and that they seem to be always down here while others are enjoying up there. What they fail to see is what took place behind the curtains while they were just gazing there, forever wondering. I sometimes envy excellent pianists, but maybe if I could adjust my envy to their long hours of practice, alone in a room instead of hanging out with friends, then maybe I’d get somewhere, right?  We wish our names would be famous and be inspiring, but how come we’re first to leave the workplace, absent during trainings, unmindful of our co-workers, and silent with our convictions? God strengthens those that are fully committed to Him. He sets ablaze those that are already fired up for Him. We don’t wait for a win, we fight - - though it's tiring, till we're frozen --  and God will honor us with that win.