1 Chronicles 24:1-26:19
Divisions for ministry
Here we see the word ‘divisions’ used in a positive sense. ‘These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron’ (24:1). ‘David separated them into divisions for their appointed order of ministering’ (v.3). ‘A larger number of leaders were found… they were divided accordingly’ (v.4). ‘They divided them impartially’ (v.5). There were also ‘divisions of the gatekeepers’ (26:1,19). ‘These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their leaders, had duties for ministering in the temple of the Lord’ (v.12).
There are some interesting names in his list. Among the singers are the psalmists ‘Asaph’ (Psalm 50 and Psalms 73–83), ‘Jeduthun’ (Psalm 39; 62; 77) and ‘Heman’ (Psalm 88).
Among the gatekeepers (or as often translated, ‘doorkeepers’) are the Korahites. Psalm 84 is attributed to ‘the Sons of Korah’ – and was therefore presumably written by a doorkeeper. This helps us to understand what he meant when he wrote, ‘I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked’ (v.10).
In the body of Christ, we divide up the roles. Each part of the body has a different function. As St Paul writes, ‘The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body… God has combined the members of the body… so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other’ (1 Corinthians 12:12,24–25).
The apostle Paul describes the good sense of division (the different roles of members in the body), while seeking to avoid the bad sense (there should be no division or disunity in the body).
It is a great honour to be involved in any way in serving in ‘God’s house’ – whether we are helping with the car parking or welcoming teams, coffee or prayer ministry. Every person has great significance and honour because we are serving in God’s house.
Lord, help us to make wise decisions in the assignment of roles in the body of Christ so that everybody gets involved. Help us, your church, to function as a unit made up of many parts in which each part cooperates with all the others with a unity brought about by the Holy Spirit.
Pippa Adds
Psalm 92:14
‘They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green’.
Fresh and green sounds good. As life goes by very quickly and I am heading for old age fast, I’m encouraged by this verse. There is something so beautiful about godly, older people. I can think of many that I admire hugely – their wisdom and holy life are an inspiration. I want to keep bearing fruit in old age, and looking fresh and green.
Verse of the Day
‘They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…’ (Psalm 92:14).