18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, ‘I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.’ Genesis 29
Jacob loved Rachel and he may never have chosen Leah, nor his wives two maids, Bilhah and Zilpah to bear his children, but God had other purposes in mind. God had chosen Abraham and his son Isaac, but now He began to expand His plan and raise up a community of people to fulfill His rescue plan for the earth.
33 Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. 2 He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. 3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. Genesis 33
Jacob went out first to meet his brother Esau, not knowing if he’d forgive and receive him. He also positioned his family in different groups, with Rachel and Joseph in the rear, what he considered the safest place for those he loved most.
Now we come to David and his mighty men, named for us in 2 Samuel 23:8-29, 1 Chronicles 11:10-47. Once again we see that the Bible divides those who helped David to become King, into different groups.
20 Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 21 He was doubly honoured above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them. 1 Chronicles 11
Abishai, brother of Joab, the commander of David’s army, was honoured above the Three mighty warriors. The scriptures record detailed exploits of these men who were closest to David and helped him secure his kingdom. The chapter in 1 Chronicles 11 concludes with the individual names of the Thirty who also supported David’s kingship. All these men were recorded as heroes for their valour in helping establish David upon the throne of Israel.
Finally, we come to the Lord Himself and His followers when He walked upon the earth. In Luke 10 we read about the Lord sending out the seventy and how they returned to Him with joy, telling Him, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name’. Luke 10:17 Jesus told them rather to, ‘REJOICE THAT YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN’. Ministry and anointing are important, but not the primary thing, because all ministry will cease someday.
There are further distinctions made among Jesus’ disciples, the Twelve chosen by Him who would become apostles in the church. Then there were Peter, James and John, who accompanied Him on the mount at the Transfiguration. Finally, we know John was the beloved disciple, when he laid his head on Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper.
God brings people together in His Kingdom to fulfill certain roles at different times and with varying levels of influence, but Jesus reminds us that all our names are recorded in heaven. EVERY TRUE BELIEVER HAS A KINGDOM CALLING (WRITTEN ON OUR OWN SCROLLS), BEGINNING IN TIME AND CLIMAXING IN ETERNITY.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.