Schizophrenia?

From booty won in battles they dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the LORD.                                                                                                                             

          1 Chron. 26.27

This is an interesting verse that causes me to ponder. My first thought is: How would God feel about the spoils of war contributing to the upkeep of His holy house? How would God feel about His people waging war? Then I’m faced with the contra thought that God may even have sent His people into battle. Indeed, the annals of the Old Testament would have us believe that God sent His chosen ones into battle many times. And there are times when hundreds of thousands of casualties occurred. There are other accounts of God appeasing His wrath by annihilating great numbers of His own people when these same appear to be in rebellion or disobedience.

All of this is apparently contradicted in the New Testament with Jesus’ message of peace and grace.

So, what’s going on? Do we follow a schizophrenic God? Despite these seeming contradictions, I don’t think so! In all of this I see the pursuit of righteousness, and God’s working to restore fallen mankind to a state of holiness. Jesus advocated a way of openness. We do wrong and we know that we have done so! The way, then, is to confess our faults and seek restoration by our holy yet forgiving God.

To me, this is eminently preferable to hiding my sin and trying to get away with it, only to be shot down by an angry God.

Almighty God,

I do not understand You. I don’t think it pleased You in any way to annihilate so many. But this is Your business not mine.

I come to You as a sinner. Some sins I am most conscious of. In other areas I may be unaware of my failings. I lay all my sins before You, both known and unknown, and I humbly seek forgiveness, in Jesus’ name.           Amen.

God's order

David and the officers of the army also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with lyres, harps and cymbals.            1 Chron. 25.1a

                                                                                                                                      

To 21^st century sensitivity, the words David and the officers of the army may sound like a military junta. My thinking is that this was simply the way in which David’s administration was set up.

The narrative goes on to list the families of the three men mentioned, two hundred and eighty-eight people in all. They were formed into twenty-four teams. And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike. (v8)

All this tells me that the worship teams were specially selected and appointed. Furthermore, they shared between them the duties involved, without elitism of favour.

Herein lies a lesson that many areas of the Body of Christ could benefit from today. The calling of any worshipper is greatly significant. These are the people called to lead all others into the throne room of the Almighty. In the first temple they were, I believe, called by God, endorsed by the human authorities, and formed into teams. There was no dispute over who should do what, for all duties were shared in common. What a fine example is set here. And what I’ve said in this paragraph applies, I truly believe, to any and all areas of ministry!

Lord,

I pray for the Body of Christ today. I pray for the church in its various expressions.

I pray Godly order into the people and all that we do. Let us not be seduced into following the ways of the world. Jesus said, “I am the way.” May we follow Him.

I pray that leaders will arise who will truly follow Jesus, and who will lead others in that narrow way. I ask Your holy guidance on all who profess the faith. Lead us to be worthy witnesses to our Lord and God.            Amen.

Knowing

When David was old and full of days, he made his son Solomon king over Israel.

                                                                                                                        1 Chron. 23.1

David knew when it was time to hand over. The narrative tells us, in some detail, how he organised the priests and the Levites into the service of God. So it seems to me that David knew the work that he was to complete and then he was to hand over. In earlier passages in the book we read something of how David prepared Solomon for the work that lay ahead for him.

I see vital lessons here that all leaders can benefit from. Without any specific order of priority these are: to know what you must do; to know when to give up and hand over; and to prepare a successor for the role you are vacating. Modern history has well illustrated non-compliance with all three of these criteria, and the dire consequences that ensue.

We see leaders who do not fulfil what is required of them. We suffer from leaders who do not know when to give up. And we experience the trials and difficulties that come when adequate succession has not been provided for.

I think the above guidelines are particularly pertinent to Christian leadership. For me, David demonstrates God’s way. The recording of these aspects in the Holy Scriptures indicates further to me that this is to be heeded. And how different society might be if we did things God’s way!

Holy Father,

My prayer is that I may know the extent of what I am to do while on this earth, and carry it out to the best of my enabling. May I also know when it’s time to stop. And, if I am to hand over any ongoing function, may I prepare a suitable successor. I ask You to show me these things, to lead me and enable me to work to fulfilment, to Your praise and glory.

                                                                                                                                    Amen.

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