Bible Pathways 05/19/04

 

5-19-2004

Read I Chronicles 24 - 26

In Today's Reading:

Duties assigned to priests; musicians and singers; divisions of the porters (gatekeepers); treasurers and other officials

David . . . separated (set apart) to the service, Levites, singers, porters (gatekeepers), treasurers, and other workers (I Chronicles 25:1; compare 9:22-29) of the Temple who were entrusted with nonpriestly responsibilities required for worship in the Temple. The gatekeepers were called able men for strength for the service (26:8). They were the Korahites and Merarites, descendants of Levi (Genesis 46:11). Twenty-four gatekeepers guarded the entrances day and night lest an unqualified person attempted to enter (I Chronicles 26:17-18).

Every position was equally important to maintain worship in the Temple as required by the Lord. Today, there are no unimportant tasks in the Church (the Body of Christ). The ministries dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission are also a sacred responsibility from God.

Earlier, David had planned to make Jerusalem the religious center of Israel by bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. After Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark, it was taken to the home of Obed-edom. When he received the Ark containing the Word of God, he also received the very presence of God who dwelt above its Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:22; I Samuel 4:4; II Samuel 6:2) The presence of the Lord brought blessing on the home of Obed-edom. In like manner, the presence of the Lord will also bless our families and homes when the Word of God is prominent in our lives.

Some people ignore the Master's ownership rights to their lives and do not recognize that their position is to be as His managers of their talents, time, and even the Lord's tithe. All these are meant to be used for His purposes rather than for our own pleasures and personal interests. Each day is given to us as a trust that we may become more like Christ and glorify Him. What God has entrusted to us can become multiplied blessings to others; but, when kept for selfish purposes, it can become a curse.

In our family devotions, let us thank our Heavenly Father for our children and help each of them to know their importance to Him. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much. . . . If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (wealth), who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:10-11).

Christ Revealed:

Through the Temple treasures (I Chronicles 26:20-28). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs (Philippians 4:19).

Word Studies:

24:2 executed the priest's office = served as priests; 24:5 divided by lot = assigned by drawing lots to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33); 24:19 orderings = schedules; 25:5 to lift up the horn = to exalt the Lord's power and glory.

Pray For:

Staff: Pam Pendergrast · Government Official: Rep. Brad Miller (NC) · Country: Bulgaria (9 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages · Newly opened to evangelism · 62% Eastern Orthodox; 10% Muslim; 1% Roman Catholic; less than 1% Protestant

Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Matthew 6:16-18).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 6

Memory Verse for the Week: John 10:11