Reading: I Chronicles 24 – 26
The sons of Shemaiah; Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong men, Elihu, and Semachiah. All these of the sons of Obed-edom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obed-edom (I Chr. 26:7-8).
So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel (I Chr. 23:1). With the reign of David having come to an end, the Chronicler momentarily breaks away from his narration of the history of the kings of a united Israel (and later the southern kingdom of Judah) and turns once again to the task of record keeping. In chapters 24 – 26 we are presented with a seemingly endless list of names and job classifications. Here we learn of the work assignments given to priests, singers, porters (gatekeepers), treasurers, and other support staff. Although their day-to-day responsibilities varied widely, each person listed played an essential role in Temple life.
The porters were referred to as able men for strength for the service . Scripture tells us that they were Levites of the lines of Kore and Merari (26:19). They were valiant men of integrity and courage who were responsible for opening and closing the heavy gates, warding off attacks by enemy forces, and separating the clean from the unclean. By allowing the former access into the Temple and excluding the latter, they protected the Temple and those worshiping within its gates from defilement. Also included in these lists were the singers, psalmists (song-writers) and musicians; all servants of God that used their God-given musical talents to prophesy (share the Word of God) and to worship (25:1). Each of these groups included highly qualified individuals that had been gifted by God with the skills needed to perform their work. Yet, had they attempted to trade jobs and work outside of their calling, chaos would have soon ensued.
God is a God of order; He calls specific people for specific tasks. Each of us has an appointed place in the Lord’s service, a specific calling that He has laid upon our hearts. In an era in which we have been raised to believe “you can be anything that you want to be,” this can at times be difficult to accept; nevertheless, it is God’s truth. There are many different offices that need to be filled in order to forward the Kingdom of God (I Cor. 12:28-31), and the callings of God are as individual and diverse as the population of the earth. If we try to force ourselves into a role of our own choosing, one that God has not provided for us, then spiritual failure is the likely outcome. Yet if we answer His call utilizing the individualized gifts and talents that He has placed at our disposal, then our success in the eyes of God is assured.
And He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence (Col. 1:18). As true believers we are members of the body of Christ, and as members of the body we must acknowledge the fact that He is the head. It is His right to assign and define our position in the body, and it is our responsibility to serve Him from that position to the fullest extent of our God-given abilities.
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Eph. 4:16).
Thought for Today: What benefits do we hope to receive when we make a change in our lives, physical ones or spiritual ones?
Christ Revealed: Through the Temple treasures (I Chr. 26:20-28). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2- 3). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs (Phil. 4:19).
Word Studies: 24:2 executed = served in; 24:5 divided by lot = lots were cast to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33); 24:19 orderings = schedules; 25:5 lift up the horn = sound the trumpet.
Pray for Staff: Ryan McCrary• Government Official: Sen. Tom Udall (NM), Rep. Greg Steube (FL) • Country: Nauru (9,434) Central Pacific Ocean • Major Languages: Nauruan, English • Religious Freedom • 45.8% Protestant; 33.2% Roman Catholic; 14.1% Other (Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness) 4.5% None; 2.4% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Beseech the Lord in intercessory prayer for others when you have questions (Ex. 32:11).
Optional ReadingI Corinthians 6.