DEVOTIONAL

The story of God and Israel pulls out of dark pestilence to bright hope. The words in 1 Chronicles 22-27 paint a picture of people taking their places with excitement. A thrill to see restoration and redemption. Could Israel feel in the air God’s faithful covenant He made in 1 Samuel 12:22?

Before we dive into the specific roles David assigns, I want you to picture the classic theater scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Go with me here. In the scene, Charlie Brown holds the megaphone directing places for everyone gathered to build a great show. There is excitement. All the friends show up. They work together to make this happen. In the story of Israel, the responsibilities are laid out for each role inside and outside of the temple. Everyone is tasked with a role and each role is important. Themes of unity and purpose weaves together 1 Chronicles 23-27. It is interesting David spends four chapters outlining roles for the church that will be built under King Solomon and one chapter on roles outside the church. The beauty stands out for me in how everyone takes their place in obedience to the king’s command, but a greater obedience to God.

The Lord the God of Israel has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever.

1 Chronicles 23:25

David begins with the Levites that remain in the inner places of the temple and works his way out to the gatekeepers. Once the temple is built, the Levites will have a permanent place instead of carrying the temple from place to place like a touring circus. There is stability. This is part of the rest God gives Israel that we will discuss at the end. Did you notice set apart roles described in 1 Chronicles 23:30-31? The Levites have the honor of daily praising God and offering sacrifices. Next, David organizes priests and musicians based on their appointed duties (24:3). For the musicians, older and younger are mingled (25:8). Regardless of skill, each takes their place with honor. They are excited to contribute to the temple praises to God. Skills small and great have a place.

Q: What is my place in the local “temple” or church? Am I excited to contribute or has service become an obligation?

Also, is it just me or did anyone else pick up that complaints and comparison between roles cannot be found in the passage? This stands out because sometimes a church is built on the white noise of members working hard to outdo another until everything comes crashing down. Israel is taking their place the way Paul encourages in Romans 12:10, “Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Lastly, David steps outside to organize gatekeepers, officials, and roles outside of the temple. The greater responsibility for the gatekeepers is the East gate that David assigns two extra men to than the other gates. The men David assigns as gatekeepers are equipped with great ability (26:6). In the same way, those assigned to military and economic roles outside the temple contribute to Israel’s protection and growth. God gives David discernment on how best to organize the people of Israel. And when David listens, a beautiful community comes together. Isn’t it the best when people thrive in their places?

I will give peace and quiet to Israel in the days of Solomon... Arise and work!... Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.

1 Chronicles 22:9,16,19

As Israel gathers for the largest huddle with all hands in ready to break and take their places, jump back up to 1 Chronicles 22. I skipped it on purpose. In verses 6-19, David charges his son Solomon to build the temple for God to dwell. Do you see the contrasts? First, David is known as a king of war and bloodshed (22:8). We know this. How many times did David face the Philistines? Too many. However, the next king of Israel will be Solomon whom God calls “a man of rest”. Can Israel imagine a life of rest and peace from nations on all sides? God declares the time is coming with King Solomon.

 And the final contrast I am still pondering is between rest (22:9) and work (22:16). God removes the distraction of war and sleeping with one eye open. God provides abundant resources to build the temple in raw materials and skilled people. Is the rest from outside affliction making way for space to set their heart and mind on doing some incredible work for God? The work that makes you dead tired, but incredibly good for your soul. The work with single-focused purpose to know God more. God, am I in a season of this work? Some good things to talk to God about to understand as David’s reign ends and to understand for your life right now.

Q: Can you identify what season you are in? Do you feel like David on the run or is God calling you away from distractions to rest and soul work with Him?