February 13, 2022

Passage Read: 1 Chronicles 23-26
Meditation Verses: 26:30-32

Thought

The tabernacle hadn't moved for hundreds of years, from the time it was set up at Gibeon after Joshua brought the Israelites into the land. So most of the Levites had nothing to do. They had formerly been assigned the duty to carry all its equipment, but since it wasn't moving any more, there was nothing for them to do. David recognized that it was actually their duty to serve the priests, and with the construction of the temple, they would have even less cause to serve. Except they were actually very necessary. David had vision for all that they could do and should do. They were, after all, meant to be set apart to the service of the Lord and the priests, to help keep Israel safe and faithful. This family in particular was given responsibility to oversee the Israelites beyond the Jordan. They were perhaps the most disconnected group of Israelites, and most in need to preservation. So these Levitical families had a tough but important responsibility. Sadly, the distance proved too much, and this part of Israel was the first to be taken into exile. Did they abandon the Lord when the nation divided, when Jeroboam set up his idols?

Application

I live a long way from the majority of my people. Will I be more influenced by those who surround me and don't know the Lord, or will I flee back to the land where more people know the Lord when things get tough? In a similar way, I am set among people who know the Lord, to protect them from drifting from the truth of God, because we are all far from home. I need to protect my own faithfulness to the Lord so that I can help preserve these people. That is a very real duty I have here, whether expressed or not. I mustn't let these people be worn down by circumstance so as to grow cold to the Lord.