A Famous Man- I Chronicles 5:24-25; Chapter 12:19-40
It does not take much to become instantly famous these days. If you happen to be somewhere or do something and it is caught on camera, you might just become a viral sensation, instantly famous. Many men are considered famous. Some would consider the founding fathers of our country to be famous. Some would consider Al Capone to be famous. Some would consider John Wayne to be famous. Fame is as much about the one who views the individual as the individual himself. Regardless of whether one is famous for the wrong reasons, or in the wrong people’s eyes, or not considered famous at all, there are some lessons which we can learn about fame from God’s Word. The Scriptures refer here to the men of the half tribe of Manasseh. The heads of the house of their fathers are named. These men were mighty men of valour; they were known for their bravery in battle. While we want to discern what the Scripture teaches about being a “Mighty Men of Valor”, we cannot look to this verse alone to teach us what is needed in our lives to be one of these famous men.
What does it mean to be a famous man and should this be one of our passions?
Famous=having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated; famed, notable
The Hebrew word speaks to these being men of reputation. They were men that had a testimony. Although we do not know much about the personal lives of these men, the Lord saw fit to include their names in the record of Scripture. I Chronicles 5:24-25
These men are noted for their bravery, acts of courage, and male leadership. While we may applaud them for their physical might and their abilities, we recognize that it takes much more than physical prowess to be a spiritual man of valor. These men are described as famous, well renowned. In the same way, many men desire to live life to be famous, and this can be a great motivator. The world is full of famous people, whether they be ones who are noted for their skill in sports, or their outdoor survival and hunting skills. As a Christian man, it ought not be our desire to be notable in this world, but to be famous with and for our God.
These men from Manasseh, while famous, become infamous when we read the verse twenty-five. They transgress against their God and allow other gods to be set up in the throne room of their hearts. They have become like all of the people who lived in the world around them. Sadly in becoming famous with the world, we can lose our distinction for the Lord. (Matthew 6:2) How many men have given in to temptations and pressures around them in order to be famous?
As men of valour, we must desire to be famous with our God. This might require us to live a life of obscurity in the eyes of the world. The world may pass us by with all of its hustle and bustle and we may not be great in their eyes, but remember, it is God who keeps the books. Never give in to the temptation of seeking for “bigness.” God often uses little things, weak things, and despised things. The Scriptures dictate that a truly famous man is defined by his complete surrender to do the will of the Lord. When we complete what God the Father has called us to do, we are truly famous. The saddest thing in the world is to see a man who is considered famous in the view of the public, living as a failure in his personal and home life. Fame does not start on the platform, but in private.
Give yourselves to the small acts of devotion, be willing to serve the Lord without accolades, be faithful no matter what the numbers. Would it not be great to have our Lord say, “Have you considered my servant ___________?”
Mighty Men of Valour, famous men, from the tribes of Israel, again show up in I Chronicles 12:19-40. These men differ from those who infamously disobeyed the Word of the Lord in chapter 5. These men show up to assist King David and the Lord gives us three traits that are visible in their lives:
Famous Men are men of Leadership: vs. 21, 27 Famous men are able to take the authority given to them and are willing to lead others.
Famous Men are men of Insight: vs. 32 Famous men understand and know the times in which they live. They are aware of what is taking place around them and thus they are keenly prepared. They have perception and ability to discern what direction the people of God need to go. (I Samuel 12)
Famous Men are men of Devotion: vs. 33-38 Famous men do not have double heart, but rather one that is perfect towards the Lord as well as in oneness and unity with those around them. There is no place for lone ranger, maverick soldiers on the battlefield. (Singular heart; Perfect heart; One heart)
Spiritually Famous men have leadership, insight, and devotion:
What steps would the Lord have you take in leadership?
How could you better increase your spiritual insight?
What are areas in which your heart’s devotion needs growing?