Bible Pathways 05/19/2002

May 19

In Today's Reading:

Work assignments given to the priests; services of the musicians and singers; divisions of the porters (gatekeepers); treasurers and other officials.

Verses for Today:

David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman . . . who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals. . . . the king's seer in the words of God. . . . for song in the house of the Lord (1 Chronicles 25:1).

Many of the psalms are prophetic and were intended to be sung for the spiritual building up of the people. The priests, singers, porters (gatekeepers), treasurers, and other workers of the Temple were entrusted with respon sibilities that were necessary for worship in the Temple (1 Chronicles 9:26-29). The gatekeepers were called able men . . . for the service (26:8). There were twenty-four gatekeepers on duty day and night to guard the entrances lest an unqualified person might attempt to enter (26:17-18).

Every position was important to maintain worship in the Temple as ordered by the Lord. Gatekeepers and treasurers were needed just as much as the priests, as well as all who brought their tithes and offerings. The details of all the tasks of these workers teach us that everything that needs to be done in the Church and in fulfilling the Great Commission is a sacred responsibility.

Earlier, David had planned to make Jerusalem the religious center of Israel by bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. However, after Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark, it was taken to the home of Obededom, where it remained for three months (2 Samuel 6:1-11; 1 Chronicles 13:7-14). When Obededom received the Ark, he received more than the Word of God; he received the very presence of God (Exodus 25:22; 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2), and God blessed him (1 Chronicles 26:4-5). The presence of the Lord brought blessings on the home of Obededom and, in like manner, as we read His Word, the presence of the Lord will also bless our families and homes.

Some people ignore the Master's ownership rights to their lives. We are to manage our talents, time, and even the Lord's tithe for Him, not use them for our own pleasures and personal interests. True discipleship involves a commitment to honor our Creator with all that He has chosen to bestow upon us. Each day is given to us as a trust so that we may become more like Christ and glorify Him. What God has entrusted to us can become multiplied blessings, that others may gain eternal life; but, when kept for selfish purposes, it can become a curse.

In our family devotions, let us thank our Heavenly Father for each of our children and lead them to see themselves as individually important to the Lord. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much (the more important responsibilities). . . . If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (possessions of this world), who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:10-11).

Christ Revealed:

Through the Temple treasures (1 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 the believer's needs (Philippians 4:19).

Word Studies:

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

Prayer Needs:

Pray for your Church · Country: Estonia (2 million) northeastern Europe · Major languages: Estonian and Russian · Religious freedom · 38% Protestant; 20% Estonian Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Know that the Lord is loving and merciful to His children (Jeremiah 31:9).

Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 6:17