Following the death of my father I am now the oldest living Monahan male in our family. So, I’ve been thinking about what that looks like for me spiritually? What mantle and responsibility am I carrying?
Given our times I think these are important questions whether we have spiritual oversight over just ourselves, our marriage, our nuclear family, or a wider multi-generational family. Concepts such as patriarchy are certainly not socially in vogue, but I think spiritually God has some expectations about what that might look like. This scripture is especially significant to me:
“From Issachar, men who had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;” 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV)
One of the things that always gets me about this scripture is how different it is from those that surround it. It speaks of leadership and authority but first it talks about understanding the signs of the times and knowing what is required for the situation that they face. The other scriptures around it talk about numbers of fighting men in the thousands not the mere 200 mentioned in this scripture. However, it does say in 1 Samuel 14:6, “…. For nothing restrains Lord from saving by many or by few.”
Socially and culturally the tide would appear to be turning against our Christian belief system in New Zealand at the moment, but it is good to remember although we may be few, the Lord is with us. For me as I look at the signs of the times there is a ground swell of activity that is trying to limit what I can do and what I can say in public or on social media. My viewpoint may not be regarded as politically correct therefore undesirable and unacceptable. So does that mean I am powerless, the answer is simply no because the Lord is with me, and I can pray.
My experience tells me that prayer is powerful, and prayer changes me, those around me and changes situations when I am not expecting it. If I follow that scripture of understanding the signs of the times, then I must allow that to guide the way I pray. I understand that God in Genesis gave us three significant social building blocks, marriage, family and community. Therefore, I need to pray into those situations as the spiritual head of my household, head of my family clan and as member of my church and local community.
I diligently pray for my wife, my kids, my grandkids and my Pastors for protection, growth and opportunity to expand the Kingdom of God. At a personal level this is my sphere of influence, this is where I can be effective, understanding I have a role to play and pray into PK as well.
The book of the Acts of the Apostles shows me my external situation should not be a limiting factor if I am connected to God. Let us join with God to see His purposes achieved.
Where can you be prayerfully diligent, and effective?
Blessings
Paul Monahan