Bible Pathways - May 13, 2005
May 13
Read I Chronicles 6 -- 7
In Today's
Descendants of Levi;
The long and seemingly uninteresting genealogy in these chapters reveals that God does not look on mankind as just a multitude of human beings who populate the earth. The name of every individual priest and Levite, along with the family and tribe he belonged to, was carefully registered. In gratitude for their spiritual leadership, the other tribes were given the responsibility of sustaining the Levites who lived within their communities through their tithes and offerings.
Of first consideration in this listing was the high priest, who was chosen only from the family of Aaron (see I Chronicles 6:3). Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar were devoted to their calling as priests, but Aaron's two oldest sons Nadab and Abihu were struck dead when they ignored the Commandments of God Samuel was a godly judge, but the sons of Samuel; the firstborn . . . and Abiah (6:28) were evil (see I Samuel 8:1-3).
The Israelites who had suffered Babylonian captivity knew that they had returned to holy ground, for God had declared: The land is Mine (Leviticus 25:23). But it was equally important for the Israelites to recognize that they were a peculiar people (Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:18; Titus 2:14; I Peter 2:9) — this means a special, privileged people who belong exclusively to God.
These facts remind us that we too belong to the Lord, as well as all that we possess. You are not your own. For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Corinthians 6:19-20). Consequently, there must be a practical expression of this fact in every aspect of our lives including the allocation of our time and talent, as well as tithes and offerings. These are to be used for maintaining the teaching of His Word that others may come to know Him. Where these aspects of one's daily life are ignored, it is meaningless to say that Christ is truly Lord of our lives. All who put Christ first in their lives are looking forward to hearing Him say: Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter . . . into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:23).
Christ Revealed:
By the cities of refuge (I Chronicles 6:57,67). For a person to have protection from the avenger of blood, he had to flee to a city of refuge. God provided His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to be our Refuge from His judgment against sin (compare John 3:14-18; 10:24-30; Galatians 2:16; 3:1-14; Hebrews 10:1-18; I John 2:2; Revelation 1:5). When, by faith, in obedience to His Word, we come to Christ, He becomes our Refuge (Hebrews 6:18).
Word Studies:
6:32 waited on = performed service in; 6:66 the residue = balance; 6:74 suburbs = pasturelands; 7:23 it went evil with = tragedy had happened to his family; 7:24 nether = lower.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BPM Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Country:
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:16
