Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture and over all the holy utensils, also over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices. Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices, and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes.- 1 Chronicles 9:28-31
One of those mind-blowing passages, right? Actually, if you're like me, you were probably wondering, "Who cares? What's the big deal? Why all the boring details?"
Yet the other side of my brain says, "Wait. The Bible assures us that 'all Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable ..." (2 Tim. 3:16). So what benefit might the above passage bring us? The ESV (English Standard Version) study note provides some wonderful insight along these lines:
The responsibilities of vv. 28-31 may strike the modern reader as obscure and dull. Perhaps they seemed so to the ancient reader as well. Nevertheless, the whole work of the sanctuary depended on the faithfulness of these men; and all of God's people may take comfort from this reminder that God both notices and remembers those who faithfully perform routine tasks in service to him. The mention of these servants was probably a source of pride to their later descendants.
Isn't that great? I love that! What an encouragement! Church ministry can involve any number of seemingly mundane tasks, such as changing diapers, trimming bushes, raking leaves, running the sound system, passing out bulletins, serving snacks to kids, collecting the offering, and numerous other acts of service. And God takes note of each one! He faithfully rewards every person who serves others in His name.
While others may overlook, fail to acknowledge or appreciate our acts of Christian service (and we all do, because no one is perfect), we can carry on our work with joy because God knows who's making the flat cakes!
No wonder Scripture tells us, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Jesus Christ" (Col. 3:23-24). Amen!
Wow, thanks for that, Pastor Matt. It is a privilege to be doing all things for Christ, even counting the utensils. Thank you for that reminder!
ReplyDeleteAnd also, that it takes a whole team of people to do all the chores that is required to keep an active church working smoothly and efficiently. And yes that includes something as simple as "preparing the mixing of the spices".
One verse that I committed to memory as a child that has always stayed with me is: And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all to the glory of Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
We need to remember to give thanks for the privilege of "making the flat cakes".
I have made a point of showing our children that God is "into details", that there is not one thing left to chance in His design for us. But I still needed this reminder. Thank you for a word aptly spoken; it brightened my day. ~Heather
ReplyDeleteWe discussed this in Sunday school today. Wow! God spoke to me about doing everything out of love, and never selfish ambition. I was convicted, "Do I teach my children, clean my house, respect my husband, etc, out of pure love?" When I teach the boys to clean, do I do it because their lack of cleaning, disrespecting others etc... frustrates "ME", or because I want to train them in the way they should go"? Through the unconditional love, that we are ourselves only attain through a relationship with Christ! Hmmmm. Thanks for reiterating this lesson from God to me!
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