April 19, 2026 - 1 Chronicles 12-15

Chapter 12 tells about the mighty men of David, those who were loyal to him when Saul was seeking to kill David.  Also, they were “among the mighty men who helped him in war” (12:1-2).  Whether out of character or not (Actually, I grew up fascinated with professional wrestling/entertainment.), I found myself, the other day, watching a TV show:  “WWE Rivals.”  This particular episode focused on two wrestlers from the 1990s, Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon.  They were rivals in the ring.  They seemed to hate each other.  They appeared to beat each other’s brains out in match after match.  Of course, all that was choreographed; still, it takes some athletic prowess to pull off some of those stunts.  Each combatant has as one of his main goals in the ring, whether win or lose, to make the other guy look good.  A good, entertaining match, after all, brings in the money, right?  These two guys were reflecting on their time in professional wrestling, and one said that he was willing to do some of the crazy, even dangerous, stunts because he knew the other guy was working with him and would always have his back.  When threatened on one occasion, these men said to David, “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse!  Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you” (12:18).  God fights for us but he also gives to us those brothers and sisters in the church who stand with us with loyalty and love. 

Who is on the Lord’s side?

Who will serve the King?

Who will be His helpers,

other lives to bring?

Who will leave the world’s side?

Who will face the foe?

Who is on the Lord’s side?

Who for Him will go?

By Thy call of mercy,

by Thy grace divine,

we are on the Lord’s side.

Savior, we are Thine.   --Frances R. Havergal (1877)