Bible Pathways - May 14, 2005

May 14

 

Read I Chronicles 8 -- 10

 

In Today's Reading:

 

Descendants of Benjamin; priests and Levites in Jerusalem and their responsibilities; genealogy of Saul; tragic deaths of Saul and his sons

 

Only a small minority of Israelites responded to the proclamation by Cyrus and left the comforts and safety of the new Persian kingdom to return to the rubble of Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple.

 

Now the first inhabitants that dwelled in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims (the Temple servants) (I Chronicles 9:2-3; Nehemiah 11:3). The work of the Nethinims may seem rather insignificant, but it was essential work that needed to be done for the Lord. Loyalty to their heavenly King made them willing to work and to serve wherever needed. Of the Levites, certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale (count) (I Chronicles 9:28). This responsibility may appear to be of little importance. While some were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments (utensils) of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices (9:29-30), which perhaps required a little more skill, still others were responsible for things that were made in the pans (grain offerings) (9:31). All were ordinary laborers who, to us, may seem hardly worth mentioning; but, God esteemed each responsibility worthy of recording. Collectively, all tasks were necessary to fulfill the service to the Lord in the Tabernacle.

 

Every chilld of God has a place in God's plan and is needed.

 

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. . . . But all these works that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as He will and not necessarily as we prefer (I Corinthians 12:4,11). Regardless of the seeming importance or insignificance of our abilities, they are a sacred trust from God. The Lord does not expect the person who is given one talent to fulfill the responsibility of the person who has five talents (see Matthew 25:14-30). But, though our talents may seem to be minimal, each one can do something as we make ourselves available to Him. Paul reminded Titus that many profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being . . . disobedient, and to every good work reprobate (worthless) (Titus 1:16).

 

We are required to be faithful stewards (managers) of our lives and the abilities and opportunities that God has entrusted to us. Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men (Colossians 3:23).

 

Christ Revealed:

 

By Jerusalem, which means "foundation (possession) of peace" (I Chronicles 9:3). Christ is the only foundation of peace upon which man can stand before God. Jesus said: My peace I give unto you (John 14:27; II Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:14).

 

Word Studies:

 

8:31 Zacher = Zechariah (not the prophet); 8:33 Esh-baal (Ish-bosheth); 9:21 porter = gatekeeper of the entrance way; 9:22 set office = trustworthy position; 9:23 by wards = as guards; 9:28 bring them in and out by tale = count them when they bring them in and take them out; 10:2 followed hard after = closely pursued and overtook; 10:3 went sore = was fierce; 10:4 uncircumcised = those without a covenant with God.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for Government Officials: Sen. Byron Dorgan (ND) and Rep. Alan Mollohan (WV) · Country: Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (38 million) in south-central Africa · Major languages: French and Lingala · Limited religious freedom · 42% Roman Catholic; 28% Protestant; 12% magical practices, ancestor worship, and witchcraft; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matthew 26:41).

 

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 1

 

Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:16