Sat.’s Devo - God's Mighty Men

Read: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3 All Israel gathered at Hebron to make David their king David. He led the people to Jebus (Jerusalem) to take it for their capital. Joab became his commander because he led the attack. Joab’s name means “Jehovah-fathered”. David had three famous warriors who became known as the Mighty Three. The first one’s name means “he will return” from a family that means “skillful”. He killed 300 in a single battle. The second warrior’s name means “God is helper” who’s father’s name means “his beloved are the brethren of rest”. He fought with David against the Philistines in a field of barley. The third of the Three is not mentioned here. The first warrior sounds like God announcing Jesus’ return, the second sounds like Jesus who was helped by God to bring us rest, and the third like the Holy Spirit which is the mysterious one. Then we have accounts of some of the exploits of the Three and the Thirty which were also famous. God gives us all of their names and where they are from. If we interpreted the meanings of their names it would probably tell us something of the history of the overcomers of God. In Acts, Paul and the men of his ship wreck made it to an island. They learned they were on the Island of Malta and the people of the island were friendly. They all gathered sticks to make a fire when a snake bit Paul on the arm. The superstitious people of the island knew this to be a very poisonous snake making the people believe Paul to be a murderer. When Paul didn’t show any symptoms of dying or poison, they changed their minds and thought he was a god. They were invited to stay with the wealthy chief, Publious. His father was dying with fever and dysentery. Paul prayed for him and he was healed. Others brought their ill and he healed them also. As a “thank you”, the people of the island gave them all the supplies they needed for the trip. Everyone was blessed by the power that Paul carried. After three months, they were able to leave. They stayed with believers along the way until they reached Rome. Paul was met with a crowd of believers which was a great encouragement to him. Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging though he was guarded by a soldier. Paul met with the Jewish leaders of the city and told him his story. They agreed to meet at Pauls house. A large group met and he explained the gospel of Jesus Christ and used the law of Moses to back up his belief. They debated with him long into the night. He concluded what Isaiah had said that the people would have eyes but not be able to see, ears that couldn’t hear and hearts that would not be able to comprehend. He ended with the news that God’s salvation had been offered to the Gentiles also. Paul lived in Rome for the next two years welcoming all to his house to hear the good news of salvation. Lord, thank you for all the mighty men of courage and faith that paved the way for us to have the truth today.