Highlights In Today's Reading:
The duties of the priests, musicians, and gatekeepers are listed in these three chapters. Each group is named for its family leader. Note how duties are divided. Check out the work of these musicians (25:1). Some of these wrote psalms we all love!
Work assignments were given to priests, singers, porters (gatekeepers), treasurers, and others who were entrusted with responsibilities necessary for worship in the Temple.
The gatekeepers were called able men for . . . the service (26:8). They were the Korahites and the Merarites (26:19), all of whom were valiant men of integrity and courage who would not neglect their duties. They were trusted to guard the entrance to keep unqualified persons from entering the Temple and defiling it.
Every position was important for promoting worship in the Temple as ordered by the Lord. The responsibilities of all the varied workers teach us that every opportunity to serve the Lord is a sacred responsibility. This is illustrated by Obed-edom who was just an ordinary gatekeeper of the Temple, but God blessed him (15:18; 26:4-5). Earlier, King David planned to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem because it contained the original Books of Moses. Uzzah was struck dead for touching it. The Ark was then taken to the home of Obed-edom. It remained with him for three months (II Sam. 6:1-11; I Chr. 13:7-14). When Obed-edom received the Ark, he received not only the Word of God; but also the very presence of God (Ex. 25:22; I Sam. 4:4; II Sam. 6:2).
Just as the Ark brought the blessing of the Lord to Obed-edom, so He will bless all who read His Word and allow Him to rule their lives (John 1:12). When we pray as a family, we should thank our Heavenly Father for each of our children and cause them to understand their importance to the Lord.
Some people disregard the Creator's ownership rights to their lives by wasting their opportunities, talents, time, and even the Lord's tithe for their own pleasures. Pity the people who keep for themselves their time and possessions that God has given them — refusing to recognize that, during their short time on earth, they are only stewards of what belongs to God who created all things for His honor (Rev. 4:11). Christians recognize that each day is a trust from God for them to glorify Him. In contrast, the worldly-minded are challenged each day to gain more for themselves. We can multiply our blessings by giving, that others may gain eternal life.
He that is faithful (dependable) 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 the world), who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:10-11).
Thought for Today:
The talents that God has entrusted to us have eternal value when used for the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Temple treasures (I Chr. 26:20-28). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs (Phil. 4:19).
Word Studies:
24:2 executed =served in; 24:5 divided by lot =lots were cast to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33); 24:19 orderings =schedules; 25:5 lift up the horn =sound the trumpet.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Pat Boehme • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Brad Miller (NC) • Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar • Major languages: English and Creole • Limited religious freedom • 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for those in authority over you (I Tim. 2:1-2).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:21