19/08/2021 - OUTSTANDING IN ALL THINGS

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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. 1 Chronicles 7. 40

Asher was Jacob’s eighth son born of Leah, whose name came from an expression of his mother’s that means happiness. In numbering the families descended from Jacob, which formed the kingdom of Israel, the writer cited the virtues of these descendants. The Bible version used in this message points out three qualities of this branch of Israel, which must also reside in us.

They were heads of families. This is one of the reasons why the heirs of these people remain alive and united until today, enjoying the blessings promised to their patriarchs. They didn’t deny their origin, which – by the way – is wonderful, built by people who had the fear of God guiding their ways and actions. Shamefully, some Christians don’t honor the Word, and this is one of the inevitable scandals (Luke 17.1).

Besides remaining steadfast in faith, holiness and divine fear, the saved need to think of the coming generations and strive to leave them with a blessed spiritual legacy, for that is more valuable than any material possessions and money. We cannot be like Hezekiah, who accepted the revelation of a dark future for his children, saying that word of the Lord was good ( 2 Kings 20:16-19; Isaiah 39:8). Wake up and do that which is good! 

The descendants of Asher were also men of valor, something rare, because the philosophy of “The more for me, the better!” prevents parents from teaching their children the right way to live, to serve God, and to prepare for eternity. Everything we achieve in this world will stay here, but whoever receives the Word will take it with him. We cannot be like the lost, who only think about this life.  

The lineage of this son of Jacob was composed of good military leaders. Despite being God’s people, Israel was attacked by nations that wanted to subdue them, but while they walked with the Lord, the holy people did not succumb to any of the demands of the wicked. On the contrary, they went out to battle and defeated them by strength from on High! Even the invincible and fearsome Assyria had to bow down before the Kingdom of Judah, when Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed and witnessed the majestic deliverance of the Almighty ( read 2 Kings 19).

Asher’s heirs were also men of war. It hurts to see Christians die of fear and suffer the evils that have no power over the children of God who obey Him! Many walk in the flesh, far from the Father’s favor. Now, without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews11:6): to open the way for Him to work. The saved must pray, in order to be trained for battle (Psalms 144.1).

By placing such guidance in Scriptures, the Most High teaches us how to behave. No matter what barriers countries erect to impede the progress of God’s Word, the world will find the Truth – Jesus!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares