Today’s Reading, 1 Chronicles 23-25
Focal Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23:32 “They are to carry out their responsibilities for the tent of meeting, for the holy place, and for their relatives, the descendants of Aaron, in the service of the Lord’s temple.”
It is always important to carry out your duties when they are assigned to you by someone else. It doesn’t matter if these duties are personal or professional. It is important because fulfilling your duties reveals your character. It demonstrates if you are trustworthy and can eventually receive bigger tasks. Just the other day, I was given a very important task because a few individuals knew I would show up on time and take it seriously. I was trusted because they knew my character.
In today’s reading, David is assigning the priests their duties. Their job consisted of taking care of the tent of meeting and the people who would be around the Most Holy Place. These important preparations and procedures for worship fell on the priests. They were expected to prepare the sight of worship and to prepare the people for worship. This was one of the most important tasks that happened throughout the daily life of the Jewish people. These priests were helping the nation be right with the Lord.
Priestly duties are still needed today in the church. Unfortunately, they are not done the way they should be because the people who lead are not prepared. Let me explain what I mean by that statement. I believe that many men who lead churches are more qualified to lead secular organizations, but not the place of worship. My evidence comes from observational data of men who want the platform of the church, not the service of the church. They like the accolades but not the hard work.
Over the last few years, we have seen many so-called priests be exposed because of their behavior and attitudes. These are men who lacked character. They were not trustworthy; they trusted themselves above everyone else. Because these unqualified men have performed the actions of a priest, it has harmed an entire generation of people seeking the truth.
So my challenge to you today is to make sure you are called by God before you lead people in worship. Then, scrutinize anyone else who is in leadership. This is done to make sure they are qualified to be a priest. This is not judgmental thinking, it is protecting the people from harm.
We need qualified and called people carrying out the priestly duties that have been assigned. That also includes you and me. Leading people in worship is no small task.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Psalms 131, 138, 139, & 143-145
