Warriors of Valor

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(1 Chronicles 9:2) Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and Nathinims [temple servants]."

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The first people to repossess their land was a diverse group. They regained the security and liberty that their fathers--through abandoned morals and spiritual corruption--had squandered. God described these repossessors as "mighty, very able warriors of valor" (v. 13). Jesus sticks to this model. When He sent out His disciples to reclaim lost Israelites (lost souls), He told them to not fear being wrongly accused and killed (Matthew 10:10-39); instead, they were to fearlessly proclaim Jesus' kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:6).

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Warriors can be spiritual or political, and warriors without valor--no matter how able to fight or willing to suffer and die--are a scourge. They're bullies, pirates, murderers, and despots. In contrast, warriors who possess and who are possessed by submission to virtue make justice and security possible for even the weakest of citizens. Jesus redefines these ideals: the reality of such valor and virtue is defined by one's love for and obedience to Himself, the King of kings.

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Lord, see that Your end game is for lot people to dwell safely in peaceful and secure homes. For this to happen, You send out warriors of righteousness and justice who blaze paths for others to follow. Lord, help me to be such a warrior of valor. Help me to reclaim all You desire for my relational connections.