1 Chronicles 26

“Concerning the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.”  1 Chronicles 26:1 (NKJV)

“Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasuries of the house of God and over the treasuries of the dedicates things.” 1 Chronicles 26:20 (NKJV)

A quick review of the past few chapters reveals a pattern of progression for spiritual growth.  It is a pattern for Israel as a nation, as well as for us.  In chapter 22, David prepares to build the temple.   You may recall that David was prohibited (by the Lord) from building the temple himself because his hands were “stained with bloodshed  .”But that did not exclude him from preparing the next generation, namely his son, Solomon.  What provisions are you making to give the next generation of believers a greater chance of living successful lives of faith?

“So when David was old and full of days, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.  And he gathered together all the leaders of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.  Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and above; and the number of individual males was thirty-eight thousand.”  1 Chronicles 23:1-3 (NKJV)

In chapter 23, David gathers the Levites.  As we learned in previous chapters, the Levites had not sought the Lord’s counsel at the Ark of the Covenant for many years while Saul reigned.  Perhaps they had become unsure of their priestly calling.

Once the Levites had been separated from the general population, the process began to sort them into their respective divisions and duty stations.  David made sure that the Levites all knew their duties by publically seeking the Lord (casting lots) so the Levites could be confident that their duty selection was not simply an arbitrary whim of David.

We begin to notice that worship for the Israelites is getting more and more intimate as it moves closer to the presence of God.  Chapter 25 focuses on the Musicians, whose job it is to stand at the gates of Jerusalem and play music that facilitates the various ways the worshipper enters into and exits corporate worship.

Today’s chapter focuses on the gatekeepers themselves.  The gatekeepers are those who allow the “sheep” to enter and protect the flock from “wolves” who may attempt to creep into the congregation, causing division in the community.  There is freedom in our relationship with God through Messiah Jesus, but never forget that accountability is also necessary, even in a congregation of grace.

Lastly, we see the Levites who oversee the treasury.  Where your heart is, there will be your investment.  If you do not give tithes and offerings to the Lord, there is no doubt that you are consumed with worldly things.  The closer we get to Him, the more we offer ourselves (and our belongings) to the ongoing work of the gospel.