! Chron. 7 Men of Valor
The author of these Chronicles, based on consensus, was Ezra. With the exception of the previous chapter concerning the tribe of Levi and Aaron, the listings of who is whose son, is incomplete; part of the reason is that often times grandsons were listed as sons, even though they were in fact grandsons over many years.
A description of many of those listed is that they were “mighty men of valor in their generations”. These men were characterized as such because of their warrior like attitude in providing protection for their respective tribe and clan.
Would genealogies say something similar about us in the days ahead; or would something less be said? Generally a warrior is willing to lay his life on the line to see those they are protecting be in a safe place.
We may not face the kinds of challenges that these men faced concerning their families; however we face spiritual entities as well as radical extremists that would take our lives and those of our family and loved ones. What are we doing to protect them? Spiritually we can train them up in the way they should go so that they can live life to the fullest with the Lord. Men need to step up and take the lead in nurture and care for their spouses and children; rather than assuming our wives are taking care of that responsibility.
Included in the training are the normal disciplines of faith; Bible reading, prayer, devotions, sharing of faith, modeling how to live in a counter-culture. Also we need to show our children and especially our sons, how to treat women; which begins in the home.
Ephraim had nine sons that were killed by the men of Gath, because Ephraim’s sons were going to take their cattle. The result being is that Ephraim “mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him”. One of his daughters, Sheerah was able to escape the men from Gath and make it home; we see she built the “Lower and Upper Beth Horon”. He also went to his wife during this bereavement time and she conceived a son, Beriah.
Life happens to all of us; which is sometimes painful to experience. PTL we have the Body of Christ to come alongside to comfort and encourage us to stand and fight.
Some of us are blessed with families, brothers, sisters, parents, children or grandchildren; who will do the same.
What a blessing it is to be part of the Family of God and Relatives that will be there with us.