DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR

The phrase mighty men of valor is repeated six times in the 7^th chapter of I Chronicles.

         "The sons of Tola were might men of valor in their generations…." (vs. 2)

          "Now their brethren among all the families of Issachar were mighty men of valor …." (vs. 5)

          "The sons of Bela….22,024 mighty men of valor" (vs. 7)

          "The sons of Beher --- 22,200, mighty men of valor (vs. 8-9).

          "The sons of Jediael … 17,200 mighty men of valor (vs. 11)

          "All these were the children of Asher, heads of their fathers' houses, choice men, mighty men of valor, chief leaders….26,000. (vs. 40).

These men all exhibited great courage in service to Israel and King David.  So, I have to ask myself, what makes a man a mighty man of valor? Scripture does not tell us the details, but we can make some educated assumptions based on what we know about people of valor.

When we think of soldiers who have been given medals to honor their courage, we can draw a portrait. The Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." For examples, PFC Richard Anderson, who hurled his body upon a grenade to save his fellow-soldiers, taking the full impact of the explosion. Or PFC Harold Angerholm,  who single-handedly evacuated approximately 45 casualties under heavy rifle and mortar fire on July 7, 1944, in the battle for the Marianas Islands. Or Sergeant Rodney Davis who, during the Viet Nam War, sacrificed his life to save several of his fellow Marines by smothering a grenade with his body.

And the list could go on and on. More often than not, it involves sacrificing oneself for the benefit of others. Valor involves courage and sacrifice. It is standing alone in the face of danger. It is the courage to take an attack head-on. It is the commitment to stand firm when threatened with personal loss.

But we don't have to be in a war to exhibit valor. I think God calls us to be spiritual men and women of valor – to stand for what is right even when the enemy seems overwhelming. Being people of valor may require us to sacrifice ourselves for the good of others and for the kingdom of God.

We need mighty men and women of valor who are willing to sacrifice themselves for Jesus and His righteousness, and will not compromise their convictions when they face tremendous odds.  As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might – and having done all to stand" (Ephesians 6:10, 13c). That is the picture of a person of valor.  We serve a great King and His kingdom.   Oh God, make me into a mighty man of valor.

Love, Dad