May 27, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

1 Chronicles 26 - When you read this chapter you should think of Psalm 84:10 where David said, "...I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."  This chapter speaks of those who were assigned the duty of gatekeepers to the city of Jerusalem.  It was an honor and a ministry to the Lord and the people.  Later in the chapter the Levites who cared for the treasuries are listed and then those who served as judges outside the city of Jerusalem.   (*Note the comment below.)

1 Chronicles 27 - Other officials in the army are listed and those who were over the twelve tribes.  Note in verse 18, that Elihu, David's oldest brother, was over the tribe of Judah.  He was the first son of Jesse that Samuel thought might be the next king of Israel.  David made sure his brother received an honorable position anyway.

1 Chronicles 28 - This is a great chapter to study for a motivational speech.  David addressed the congregation on their part in helping Solomon with the building of the temple.  He wanted their wholehearted support given to him.  Then David had a special word to Solomon to serve the Lord with a loyal heart and assured him that God's presence would always be there for him.

1 Chronicles 29 - David led the people in worship of God and in showing the Lord their gratitude for being part of this great adventure to build God's house.  Verses 10 - 19 give one of the greatest passages in the Bible giving exalted worship to God and recognizing who God is and how He blesses His people.  This prayer of praise is worthy of memorization.

Psalm 127 - This Psalm speaks of the blessing of having the "Lord build the house..."  Though this could be true for every family, it is  especially true of God's temple.  For a house or a temple to be worthy of habitation, let the Lord be the One who builds it!  And part of the "building process" is God's blessing families with children.

*During Bible college days it was customary for many students to develop a "life-verse" that would be a reminder to them of their commitment to the Lord.  Some students, in good humor, suggested that 1 Chronicles 26:18 would be a "good life verse!"  In the KJV it says, "At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two are Parbar."  Of course, to most people, this was beyond understanding unless someone took time to understand the word, "Parbar."  A student at the Dallas Theological Seminary actually prepared an article that went into their monthly publication, Kindred Spirit, on this verse.  It was quite informative and very well written!