Suggested Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 7-10
Devotional Thought:
Title: “The Menial Tasks Matter.”
It is important to remember that the books of Chronicles were written after the Babylonian exile, with the strong possibility that Ezra was the inspired author. Chapter 9 gives details of the people who returned from Babylon, and the functions that they fulfilled in relation to the sanctuary that rose from the rubble and ruin of Solomon’s temple. Keep in mind that the emphasis of the book relates to the reign of David with particular emphasis on his desire to build a house for God. That dream was never realized in his lifetime, but the second book records the construction of a magnificent edifice in the days of Solomon his son. Recalling such history would be for the encouragement of these returning exiles whose job description from Cyrus had been to “build the house of the Lord God of Israel … which is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:3), with the added concession from Artaxerxes to “beautify the house…” (Ezra 7:27) I think it is a necessary observation to notice the impact of God upon the ruling monarchs. May it give to us confidence in His sovereignty as we look to our critical election in the fall. A wide range of genealogies has been covered in the first eight chapters, and now the author gives us a hint of his “sources.” Never forget, though, that inspired writers did not really require “sources”! However, he had searched the records of the “kings of Israel,” and from them he recorded such details as were relevant to his purpose as decreed by the Spirit of God. The reference to “the book of the kings” does not relate to any inspired volume of Scripture, but rather to logs or journals maintained by the monarch of the day. It is evident that the writer was selective in the material that he copied; he speaks here of “all Israel” being “reckoned by genealogies” in this book of the kings. (vs. 1) The author list four groups of people in this chapter. I find the Nethinims (descendants of the Gibeonites) to be a special interest. They were commanded by Joshua to simply cut wood and carry water for the house of God. The Nethinims’ task may have appeared menial, but it was a vital part of the function of the house of God. In the church today, there are many practical matters that need attention, and there are those who happily sacrifice time and energy to deal with what may appear to be the less glamorous aspects of the service of God. Their faithful service often frees up those who have been gifted differently, allowing them in an unhindered way to attend to their own responsibilities. For example, in Acts 6 deacons were appointed to superintend serving tables to allow the apostles to give themselves “continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” (v. 4) The Nethinims were as necessary as the priests and Levites.
Personal Prayer Request:
- Lord, please help me to never hesitate to serve you in the minute and less glamorous aspects of the ministry. Help me to never think of myself more highly than I ought to think.
- Lord, please help me to never forget that you are ultimately in charge and my job is simply to be found faithful.
- Lord, thank you for your design and plan. I am so thankful for the many who serve unnoticed at Faith, but whose service is never overlooked by you.