April 27 – Reading 117

APRIL 27 – Reading 117

by Marcia Rainey | April 27

“TAKE UP YOUR ASSIGNMENT”
(1 Chronicles 24:1-26:32)

They cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike. – 1 Chronicles 25:8

Soon after Chris and I married, we started attending a small church plant, and I felt God prompting me to serve. I met with our pastor and told him of my desire to serve in the church. He sat quietly for a moment, thanked me for my willingness to serve God and get involved, and then offered up one service option: cleaning the church weekly. That was not on my list of desired roles of service! I was initially disappointed and even angry. As I prayed and humbled myself, I could then agree to serve in a janitorial role. My husband Chris agreed to do it with me. We might not have enjoyed specific tasks such as cleaning toilets and such, but we eventually found joy in serving and continued to clean the little church weekly for well over a year. We cleaned the church and God “cleaned” us during that time!

In today’s reading, individuals within their Levitical family divisions were assigned tasks, such as leading worship, offering sacrifices, guarding a gate, playing an instrument, or recording offerings given at the temple. The casting of lots to determine who would do what entrusted the role assignments to the sovereignty of God. Every task was important; no role was insignificant because all were necessary for the worship of God at the temple. Once assigned, each priest was to faithfully and sincerely serve, passing on his knowledge and faith to the next generation.

 Luke 1:5 introduces us to Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah, who was serving his temple rotation in accordance to the assignment his ancestors received nearly 1,000 years earlier (1 Chronicles 24:10). During Zechariah’s ministry at the temple, God revealed to him that his elderly wife would have a baby and they should name the child John, whom we today call John the Baptist. Old Testament priests faithfully served in their assigned role ensuring the worship of God passed from generation to generation, and during their faithful service, some had extraordinary moments with God–like Zechariah. 

Following the faithful example of the Old Testament priests and the untold millions of God’s faithful servants throughout the generations before us, let us serve God faithfully in whatever roles He has ordained for us. During our service and worship, may He build us up in the most holy faith and allow us to impact the next generation so that they will know Him and faithfully serve Him!

Simple Truth:
Every believer has a role in the work of the church and to pass on faith to the next generation. 

Reflections:

1. Order and Structure is Valued – The organization and assignments of Levites as priests, musicians, and gatekeepers show that God values order and structure for effective Kingdom ministry.
    
2. God’s Sovereignty in Assignments – The casting of lots to determine roles (1 Chron. 24:5, 25:8, 26:13) shows that God’s hand is in every assignment, encouraging us to trust His placement and giftings in our lives as well.
    
3. Every Role Matters – Each person’s duty was significant. The New Testament reinforces this truth that in the body of Christ: no task is small when done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
    
4. A Legacy of Service – The organization of the temple duties in today’s reading continued for generations, as seen in Luke 1:5 with Zechariah. Our faithfulness today impacts future generations.

Application:

1. In light of the organization of the priests in today’s reading, how should you view your role in the work of God’s kingdom through the local church, no matter how big or small?
    
2. In what ways are you serving God through the ministry of our church? If you are not serving, pray, then talk to a pastor or ministry leader to discern your giftings and find your God-assigned place of impact in His kingdom work.
    
3. What attitudes and habits can you instill into your service that are God-honoring and promote a lasting impact on future generations, just as the priestly divisions continued from one generation to the next?

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you are worthy of my worship and service. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving You in our local church. Please help me to serve You with skill and competency so that I bless others. Mold me so that I serve with integrity, both humbly and joyfully, as an offering that is pleasing to You, my Lord. Amen.