WE ALL NEED A HELPING HAND FROM TIME TO TIME by Robert Soto

WE ALL NEED A HELPING HAND FROM TIME TO TIME by Robert Soto

February 9, 2010

1 Chronicles 11:1-2 "All Israel came together to David...and said, "We are your own flesh and blood. In the past...you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD your God said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.' "

Apache people were very independent. The wandered around in bands mostly made up of family units. They lived for each other and took care of each other. From time to time they saw the need to war against another group. It was then that they would evaluate their band and decided they needed help. It was then that they would go to their neighboring bands and form alliances. They would band together and fight as one people. They knew if they were to survive, they would not be able to do it themselves because most bands were small. They would decide on leadership to lead them into battle. When they felt they had sufficient help, they would go off to war. They knew there was power in numbers and took advantage of each others' desire to help.

There are times in our lives that we cannot function on our own. There are times in our lives where survival depends on the help we receive from others. There are times when we have to swallow our pride and seek the help and wisdom of others. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of wisdom. A sign that tells others that you are only human and that God the Creator created us a people in need of help. When David became king, he was confronted by the men of the nation of Israel. Ezra wrote, "All Israel came together to David...and said, "We are your own flesh and blood." They stuck together as family. They would put aside whatever petty grievances they had against each other for the sake of their peace and survival. As people belonging to God, we must learn from our people in times past and from the people who were mentioned in the Bible. We need to learn to come together and accomplish what God the Creator has placed in our heart. So do not be afraid to admit you need help.

Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:

McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church