Bible Pathways - May 19, 2005

May 19

 

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 (appointed, set apart) to the service Levites as singers, porters (gatekeepers), treasurers, and other workers of the Temple (I Chronicles 25:1; compare 9:22-29). They were entrusted with nonpriestly responsibilities required for worship in the Temple. The gatekeepers were called able men for (with) strength for the service (26:8). While all these were descendents of Levi, the priests were Levi's descendants through Kohath and then through Aaron. Twenty-four gatekeepers guarded the entrances day and night lest an unqualified person attempt to enter (see 26:13-18).

 

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). All the ministries dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission are a sacred responsibility from God.

 

David had planned to make Jerusalem the religious center of Israel by bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. But, 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 (see Exodus 25:22; I Samuel 4:4; II Samuel 6:2). The presence of the Lord brought great 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 choose to ignore the Lord's ownership rights to their lives as Master and Creator and do not recognize that their position is to be as His managers of their God-given talents, time, and 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 sacred trust that we may become more like Christ and glorify Him. In our family devotions, let us thank our Heavenly Father for our children and help them to accomplish His purpose for their lives.

 

What God has entrusted to us beyond our necessities can become multiplied blessings to others; but, when kept for selfish purposes, it can become a curse. 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 hidden 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.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · BPM Staff: Kenneth Roy Roberts III · Government Official: Rep. Brad Miller (NC) · Country: Algeria (31 million) in North Africa · Major languages: Arabic and French · Authorities have virtually ended all open mission work · 99% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic/Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Luke 11:3).

 

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 6

 

Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:17