Cover to Cover

Reading: 1 Chronicles 11:1-13:14

Focus: 1 Chronicles 13:1-4

Throughout history, success has always been found in numbers. The legacy of the greatest leaders in history falls and stands upon the numbers which supported them. The Roman emperors, while they retained supreme authority, worked within the system of the Senate. As such, they continued successively for generations. The likes of Napoleon and Alexander the Great, while great leaders in their own time, however disintegrated as they were dictators without the structures like that of the Senate. Even now, those who find support in numbers are more likely to succeed or consistently excel in contrast to those who take the solo journey.

Once David had established his throne over all Israel, he conferred with his officers, commands and representatives of the tribes of Israel regarding the return of the ark of God back to the centre of the kingdom, that is, Jerusalem. As a result, David sowed seeds of unity among the people of Israel. As the testimony of Scripture recounts for us, David was the only king in Israel’s history to bring unity to all the people and obtain the land promised to the Israelites through Moses.

David rarely acted alone, but when he did, he failed. There is wisdom found in numbers, there is strength in the agreement of many over the decision of a few, there is safety and support with the investment of many. It not without consequence that we are called to live in community: to encourage one another, to rebuke one another, to comfort one another, to challenge one another, to work together. There is great strength, wisdom, and safety when people stand together—even more so, when they do so in the name of God.

Next Reading: 1 Chronicles 14:1-17:27