1 Chronicles 16:1-43
Wednesday, 29 March 2023
He appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, ……to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel: Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then……..Jeiel, with musical instruments……Asaph played loud-sounding cymbals, and …..the priests blew trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God. -1 Chronicles 16:4-6
Today’s reading is about how king David brought the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem and it was dedicated before the Lord. There was much rejoicing and David’s Song of Thanksgiving is given from Verses 8-36. David then appointed people for various tasks connected with the Ark of the Lord.
David did not only appoint some of the leaders to lead the worship of the Lord, he appointed willing, committed and dedicated individuals who have the burden in their hearts for the Lord’s purpose to be accomplished and His name to be glorified. God always empowers His called servant, the shepherd in charge with the task of carefully observing the flock in his care and delegate responsibilities accordingly as the Lord leads. In as much as everyone in the Lord’s house is as important as the other, task and responsibilities of service to the Lord may vary, all for the glory of His holy name.
In God’s vineyard, everyone is important. We all came into the world as God’s creation. But as his set-apart children who are very peculiar and special, he desires all of us to fulfill his purpose upon the face of the earth. In this regard, we are all players in the field of life and not spectators. God knows the thoughts commitment and intent of every member in his vineyard. Committed and dedicated members always seek the interest of the team whether in good or bad times in conformity with the desire of the called leader all to the glory of the Master and King whom they all serve!
Verses 37-43 gives us clear picture of task and responsibilities in the Lord’s vineyard. Our tasks, positions and responsibilities in the Lord’s vineyard will not be the same, but we are all working towards the same goal as a team to the glory of the Master. In Vs. 5 Asaph was appointed leader with Zechariah as his assistant. Asaph’s task was to sound the cymbal. Because Asaph was faithful in his task and responsibilities in the Lords vineyard, his name surfaces again in Vs.7 and in Vs.37- Asaph now has a permanent and more responsible assignment.
All brothers and sisters serving in the Lord’s vineyard are potential and they carry the flame of the gospel that shows light in the dark surroundings of lost souls. God is not that much interested in our ABILITY but our AVAILABILITY coupled with our willing submission and commitment to His servants in His vineyard. We cannot expect to be important instruments in the vineyard of God when we do not show respect to His anointed and called servant in our midst. Whenever we choose to show disrespect to God’s servants we automatically become spectators who shout on players in the field as if their coach. Spectators only identify themselves with the victory. God is not interested in the spectators but willing players who work as a team to bring Him glory and honour!
TO MEDITATE: “All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. …..Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.” [Ephesians 4:4 &16 CEV]