12/11/2023 - SKILLED IN WARFARE

• 
• 
• 
• 

The sons of Reuben, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh had forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty valiant men, men able to bear shield and sword, to shoot with the bow, and skillful in war, who went to war.  1 Chronicles 5.18

On the east side of the Jordan were the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half a tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph’s sons. It was not in God’s plan to give this land to Israel at once, but since the kings of this region were evil to the children of Jacob and attacked them, Moses authorized the people to resist them. So the Israelites not only did this, they overcame them and took the territory that had been given to these two and a half tribes. The Lord is good!

Reuben lost his birthright because he abused Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine (Genesis 35.22). See what sin does in the life of the one who commits it. In sorrow, Jacob spoke of his son: Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it— he went up to my couch. (Genesis 49:3,4).

From these tribes, 44.760 men were chosen to go out to battle, being very bellicose (inclined to fight) and skilled in war (able to combat). Moses gave them the land he had taken from Seon and Og, the Amorite kings, plus a good part that he had also taken from Jazer, with the promise that they would leave their families to take care of what was given to them and go to the front of the battle until victory, and they did so.

As is the case today, those who remained on the east side of the Jordan River were accused of not wanting to be part of Israel. This situation almost provoked a civil war among the sons of Jacob and was resolved through Joshua’s wisdom. The leader must be good, peaceful and a servant of God who prays for guidance. After all, the devil makes some see what is not true and ask for revenge. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5.9).

These skilled in warfare symbolize the brothers who fight in prayer, and even fasting, on behalf of the lost and the divine work. This is a ministry honored by the Lord. Nothing is more necessary than to have these people by our side. Even though we do not ask them to pray for us, they do so constantly. I don’t know how many intercede for me, but I cry out to God to reward them. Who would I be without their prayers?

Find your ministry and strive to give God the joy of seeing in you a true servant of His love. The evil one uses people who hate the work, and some even try to destroy the life and ministry of those who are warriors for good. Although we pray even for the authorities who want to put an end to us, we ask that their eyes be opened to see that we are the true friends of their lives (1 Timothy 2:1-8). The saved one makes a difference, for he knows how to speak to the Creator on behalf of all.

From the children of this generation the Lord is forming a true battalion of overcomers, but the devil also works, especially in the lives of those who do the will of the Father. We are the force that will prove that the Almighty is the God of this generation! 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares