Just Show Up

Scripture: From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command. From Zebulun: 50,000 who could serve in the army, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, with one purpose to help David. 1 Chronicles 12:32-33

Observation: The writer goes through the description of the warriors who came to David, and each one is different. In these two examples, we see both different ways of quantifying (200 chiefs and their relatives vs. 50,000), and we see over and over different adjectives. Some tribes are defined by their equipment, some by their special skills, some by their mission and passion.

It seems that this indicates the writer is not just reporting, but is working from some kind of document or oral traditions whereby each tribe expressed their loyalty for David. Given that, upon his death, many of these tribes quickly turned from the house of David, the 'oral tradition' seems more likely that if the author were discussing the history with contemporaries.

In this, we see different desires and motivations to express support and passions ... raw numbers, good equipment, leadership qualities, personal fame, group loyalty, learned skills, and pure strength. Each tribe wished to express something special they were contributing to God's anointed and to God's mission of making David king.

Though, of course, it turned out ... none of it mattered. The fact that every tribe showed up was all that was needed, as that itself made David the uncontested king, and David would just now send them all back to their tribes to announce that the act of making him king was complete.

Application: How often do I think I need to bring my skills, knowledge, wisdom, and gifts to God, and all he really needs is for me to ... just show up. God has everything under control. He doesn't need me to think deeply or solve problems or work long hours or stress. He needs me to get on my knees and pray. He needs me to come into his presence and say "here I am".

Today, all he needs me to do is join him. He doesn't need me to figure out what to do and ask for his help. He knows what HE is doing, and I just have to arrive. I can bring any and every weapon, strength, and skill and want, but he's got this either way.

Prayer: Lord, here I am. I join you in this current issue of life, not the other way around. You were here in this circumstance before it arrived at more doorstep. I will do as you wish, including just be here where you would have me. Thank you for seeing me. Amen.