The Pilgrim Path---First Chronicles 23: 25 – 32 (2—22—23)

For David said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.” For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward. For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the LORD, and likewise at evening, and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the LORD on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them, regularly before the LORD. Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the LORD.

“…THE SERVICE OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD”

This snapshot reveals that the Levites were incredibly busy for the LORD. We are busy as well. We are to be for Him---for Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul asked the Corinthians a question---that is vital for saints in every age: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (I Corinthians 3: 16). Working on taxes, tending to the children, doing the laundry, stacking the wood, visiting some souls---are really acts of service and worship. On occasion---this is hard to remember because you just want the task done (and it may not be your favorite). You may be at the end of a lengthy list of “demands”---and here comes something of unforeseen weightiness and stress. Well, the Apostle Paul gives us the Savior’s promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12: 9a).The Living Christ often “overrides” our plans---to put HIS plan in place. This is where HE is seen in unexpected ways---and HIS strength is experienced in a manner not thought possible. Dumbfounded and ashamed---many times I say to the Savior, “Only You could have worked that out. Thanks be to God!” As Calvin used to say, “The LORD will present us with knots in life---that only HE can untie.”

From Samuel Rutherford: Venture through the thick of all things after Christ, and lose not your Master Christ, in the throng of this great market.

Grace & Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason