May 13

1 Chronicles 6

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Levi's descendants include Moses and Aaron. Notice the lists of all the priestly services throughout the chapter. From the time Abram dwelt there, Hebron has a major part in God's plan for Israel.

Chapter six is given wholly to the tribe of Levi, which God appointed to serve as His priests. Observe the striking differences in the character of the men who were set apart for sacred service. Some were wholeheartedly devoted to their God-given responsibilities while others profaned their holy calling. From the time of Aaron, the first high priest, until the Babylonian captivity, the names of the priests are documented in detail. Aaron was devoted to his God-given responsibilities, but his two sons — who had every opportunity to be equally used by the Lord — were hypocrites (Leviticus 10:1-2; Numbers 3:4). Eli was a faithful prophet but his sons were unworthy immoral reprobates. Samuel was a godly judge, priest and prophet, but his sons were unscrupulous and took bribes. For years, Zadok (I Chronicles 6:8) shared the High Priest position with Abiathar (I Kings 2:26-35), but by participating in Adonijah's plot to seize the throne from David became a traitor (1:7).

What a strange mixture of devout saints and unprincipled men! What a contrast between heaven-born beginnings and forfeited opportunities!

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found (remain) faithful (I Corinthians 4:2).

The sons of Levi represented a sacred office — not a political appointment or popular vote of the people so there was to be complete, submissive obedience to their God-given call.

Every true Christian today has the privilege and responsibility of representing the Lord and of being a faithful servant of Christ.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect (James 2:20-22).

It should be of little consequence to us whether or not we are used of God in a spectacular work. The deception of our twenty-first century is that we are prone to measure God's approval in the light of sensational success. However, the person who satisfies God is one who is loyal to the indwelling Christ.

May the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thessalonians 5:23).

Thought for Today:

We must guard against giving in to seeking the things that this world offers and miss out on God's best blessings.

Christ Revealed:

By the cities of . . . refuge (I Chronicles 6:57, also 67,71-72,78,80). For a person to have protection from the avenger of blood, he had to flee to a city of refuge. God provided His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to be our Refuge from His judgment against our sin. (Compare John 3:14-18; 10:24-30; Galatians 2:16; 3:1-14; Hebrews 10:1-18; I John 2:2; Revelation 1:5.) When, by faith, in obedience to His Word, we come to Christ, He becomes our Refuge (Hebrews 6:18).

Word Studies:

6:32 waited on =b> performed service in; 6:66 the residue =b> balance; 6:74 suburbs =b> pasturelands; 7:23 it went evil with =b> tragedy had happened to his family; 7:24 nether =b> lower.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by one whom God touched; Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Anna Venegas • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Country: Nigeria (113.8 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and Hausa • Government permits all types of religious activity • 45% Muslim (largely Sunni); 40% Christian; 9% Indigenous; 6% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for your brothers and sisters that they might be filled with spiritual discernment and the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 3:14-18).

Optional Reading: Romans 16

Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:18