Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

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Bible Pathways 5/19/2001



May 19

Read I Chronicles 24 -- 26

David and the captains of the host separated to the service (chose) . . . sons of Asaph,and of Heman . . . who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals . . . . for the king's seer (mediator) in the words of God . . . for song in the House of the Lord (I Chronicles 25:1,5-6). Singing the praises of God is called prophesying. Many of the psalms were prophetic and were intended to be sung for spiritual building up of the people. The priests, singers, and porters (gatekeepers) treasurers, and other workers (9:26-29) of the Temple were entrusted with responsibilities that were necessary for Temple worship. The gatekeepers were called able men . . . for the service (26:8). They were Korahites and Merarites, descendants of Levi through his sons Kohath and Merari (Genesis 46:11). All of the twenty-four gatekeepers were on duty day and night to guard the entrances lest an unqualified person attempted to enter (I Chronicles 26:17-18).

Every position was important to maintain worship in the Temple as ordered by the Lord. Gatekeepers, treasurers, and all who brought their tithes and offerings were needed just as much as priests. The details of all the tasks of these varied workers of the Temple teach us that everything that needs to be done in the church and in fulfilling the great commission is a sacred responsibility from God. This is illustrated by Obededom, who was just an ordinary gatekeeper of the Temple, but God blessed him (15:18; 26:4-5).

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 (II Samuel 6:1-11; I 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; I Samuel 4:4; II Samuel 6:2). The presence of the Lord brought blessing on the home of Obededom, and in like manner the presence of the Lord will also bless our family and home.

Some people ignore the Master's ownership rights to their lives and their position as His managers of their talents, time, and even the Lord's tithe for His purpose rather than for their own pleasures and personal interest. 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 that we become more like Christ and glorify Him. What God has entrusted to us can become multiplied blessings, that others may gain eternal life; or, 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 (I Chronicles 26:20-28). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all the believer's needs (Phil. 4:19).

Word Studies: 24:2 executed the priest's office means served as priests; 24:5 divided by lot means assignment by drawing lots to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33).

Prayer:

Pray for all Bible Reading Marathon Coordinators · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by two of the Lord's disciples · Country: India (1 billion) in southern Asia · Major languages: Hindi and English · Religious freedom, but increasing harassment and persecution of Christians by religious radicals · 78% Hindu; 12% Muslim; 2% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic; 2% Sikhs · Prayer Suggestion: Pray with a heart of righteousness, keeping the truth of God, and know He will hear your prayers (Isaiah 26:2).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 20:12



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