“Worship Logistics” – 1 Chronicles 23-26

                        The amount of work required at a permanent, full-time temple took a much larger staff than many realize.  David has already gathered many of the physical materials Solomon will need to construct the temple, but he doesn’t stop there.  He next turns his attention to the human element–the people who will oversee the worship and day-to-day operations of the temple.  (Dr. Tremper Longman, Quick Notes, Volume 4, 42)

 

(23:1) David’s swan song — David’s full life is witnessed to by the fact that these events are dated in the fortieth, i.e., the last, year of his reign (26:31; 29:27); they are identified, indeed, as being his “last instructions” (23:27).  (Frank E. Gaebelin, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 4, 418)

 

The pathos of David’s action will be more clearly recognized if we remember that the literal translation is, “now David have become satisfied with days.”  Satisfied with days but not satisfied with labour.  David had seen all the contents of time, in poverty, persecution, honour, and majesty, and yet he was anxious for the consolidation of his empire and the construction of the temple.  (Joseph S. Excell; The Biblical Illustrator: Vol. 5, 1 Chronicles – Psalm 21:5, p. 89)

(23:3) David’s righteous census — This census did not incur God’s wrath as the previous one had.  The motives for doing it were different.  The previous one had arisen out of David’s desire to find security in the numbers of fighting men he had.  This one was to organize the Levites for their work in the temple.  The previous one had been for the glory of David; this one was for the glory of God.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 249)

The Chronicler’s attention to these extensive details on the selection, organization, training, and duties of the musicians in David’s day was not simply to inform his readers about the past.  He set forth patterns that were to be imitated by the post-exilic community as it re-established proper worship of God.  The restored people of God were to follow the patterns of music established by David in hope of receiving fuller blessings of restoration.  (Richard L. Pratt, A Mentor Commentary, 1 and 2 Chronicles, 187)

We are surely not wrong in seeing this lopsided strength of Eleazar’s line as being evidence of the working out of God’s curse upon Eli, a descendant of Ithamar.  Again the reader is encouraged to consult the commentary at 1 Chronicles 9:1-14 for more information.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 257)

 

The question to be answered is . . . Why all this boring information about David’s setting up the logistical arrangements for worship in the soon to be built temple?

 

Answer: Because David wanted to make sure that his young son Solomon did not miss anything when it came to setting up worship in the temple that David knew he would never see built.  David was obsessed with making sure that everything that was done was done in an orderly way that would give glory to the God he knew and understood as being worthy of all praise, honor and glory.

 

The Word for the Day is . . . Logistics

 

Logistics = the handling of the details of an operation

 

Working Def. of order for today: To bring into alignment or conformity to some transcendent or divine standard.

 

What does David teach us about his understanding of worship here in 1 Chronicles chapters 23-26?:

 

I-                    Order in worship demonstrates that God is worthy of our best planning and accurate presentation of Truth. (1 Chron 23-26)

 

David foresaw that the Temple which he was planning would require a considerable personnel to maintain it.  He now proceeds, therefore, to organize the priests and Levites in accordance with the new kinds of demands that Temple-service will bring.  (J.G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, I & II Chronicles, 89)

David divides the Levites on the one hand according to traditional family groupings (Gershom, Kohath and Merari), and on the other according to their new functions, viz. officers and judges, gatekeepers and musicians.  (J.G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, I & II Chronicles, 90)

 

Essentially what we have before us is a picture of the people of God organized for the life of service.  (J.G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, I & II Chronicles, 91)

 

Casting lots was an Old Testament way of leaving the decision up to God (see Leviticus 16:7, 8).  The whole process was done out in the open, in front of the king and his top officials.  Shemaiah the scribe kept a public record of the results (verse 6).  Finally, to ensure the complete impartiality, the choosing alternated back and forth between the house of Eleazar and the house of Ithamar (verse 6).  Why this scrupulosity?  Isn’t it possibly for children of the kingdom to trust one another?  Certainly!  But we recognize we still live in the world and not in heaven, and we still have a sinful nature.  Love wants to give no base from which the flesh can operate, nor room in which the devil can maneuver.  In matters that concern everyone, we want to give no one reason to accuse us of unfairness or impropriety.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 257-258)

 

The holy writer is telling his Levite contemporaries, “You cannot find assurance in your calling on the basis of how big a temple you serve or in how many serve with you or how splendid the services are in which you participate.  The true glory of your calling is found in the fact that God has set you apart through righteous king David to serve in this way.”  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 265)

 

Just as David made preparations for Solomon’s temple-building by stockpiling materials and gathering laborers, so he prepared for Solomon’s assumption of power by assembling a reliable bureaucracy.  Having made Solomon his co-regent, David summons “all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites” (23:2).  The purpose of his summoning is made clear in the following chapters, as (in an order roughly opposite to the listing in 23:2), the sacral and political administration of David and Solomon’s kingdom is set forth.  (Steven S. Tuell, Interpretation, First and Second Chronicles, 94)

 

The Levites have been enrolled and placed in divisions for an important purpose: “to do the work for the service of the house of the LORD” (23:24).  The word translated “work” in the NRSV (‘abodah in Hebrew) is typically used in the priestly traditions of the Pentateuch to describe the hard physical labor of disassembling, transporting, and reassembling the tabernacle and its contents (Milgrom 1970, 61-76; see especially Num. 4).  However, now that Jerusalem has been established as the place of the LORD’S shrine, the Levites no longer need to be responsible for this portage: “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people; and he resides in Jerusalem forever” (23:25).  With the establishment of a permanent shrine to the Lord in Jerusalem, the Levitical “work” has taken on a new meaning.  Now, the Levites will labor in service to the Lord, not physically, but spiritually: in the liturgy, maintenance, and administration of the Jerusalem temple.  The double meaning of the English word “service” expresses something very like this transformation.  We can use “service” to describe labor or duty (as in a “self-service” gas station, or a person in the military being “in the service”), or to describe a gathering for worship (Sunday “services”).  Just so, David declares, Levitical service will henceforth be performed in the worship services of the Jerusalem temple.  23:28-32, which both begins and ends with expression “for the service (Hebrew ‘abodah) of the house of the LORD,” describes the character and content of Levitical labor in this new circumstance.  (Steven S. Tuell, Interpretation, First and Second Chronicles, 96-97)

 

The emphasis here is not one of liturgical function but rather one of organization for service (24:1-5).  This is another case where the Chronicler has assumed the audience’s knowledge of the priestly duties associated with the sacrificial worship of the temple.  The writer’s concern is twofold: the formal sanctioning of that duty roster by King David (24:3) and the propriety of carefully ordering priestly service by means of lot-casting (24:5).  (Andrew E. Will, The NIV Application Commentary, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 306)

 

The Israelites considered the drawing of lots (24:5) as an impartial selection process as well as a divinely superintended one, since they understood that the decision of the lot is from the Lord (Prov. 16:33).  It is unclear whether the lot-casting determines the composition and ministry routine of the Levitical singers or their rotation of liturgical service.  (Andrew E. Will, The NIV Application Commentary, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 311)

 

Paul instructs the church that much like the temple worship of the Old Testament, the exercise of these gifts of the Holy Spirit in Christian worship must “be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Cor. 14:40).  In imitation of the polished skill of priestly and Levitical service, Paul encourages the Christian to adopt “the most excellent way” in one’s worship of God and service to others–the way of love (12:31b-13:13).  Even the adapability of ministry may be mirrored in the spontaneous prompting of the Spirit as the church gathers for worship, naturally tempered by a careful discerning of the spirits (14:26-28; cf. 1 John 4:1-3).  (Andrew E. Will, The NIV Application Commentary, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 334)

 

David’s concern for the worship of God in the temple went beyond the material preparations that he made for the construction of its building, just described (ch. 22).  Of even more lasting significance were the arrangements that he made for the organization of its ministering personnel, the Levites (chs. 23-26).  Guided by the Lord through his prophets (2 Chron 29:25), the king exercised his administrative genius to establish a system of procedures that helped maintain legitimate worship under his successors, that provided the operational framework for promoting the revival of Mosaic theocracy in the days of Ezra the Chronicler (see the introductory discussion to ch. 6), and that continued to meet the needs of God’s worshiping people on into NT times (cf. 24:10 as reflected in Luke 1:5, 8).  (Frank E. Gaebelin, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 4, 418)

 

This is how we tend to look at life nowadays.  The weaker the sense of a structured universe in which human beings have to play out their lives, the less likely it is that they will bear in mind obligations to any authority outside of themselves.   If the role of a human being is inevitably played out in an environment which is a random aggregate of fragmentarinesses, he or she will clearly have to find meaning and pattern within his or her own being.  One reason for the decay in our time of respect for authority, of the sense of obligation to principles and codes, is precisely this loss of any sense of an earthly scene in which there is design and purpose, in which things may hang together irrespective of your participation or my participation in experiencing them.      (Harry Blamires; Recovering the Christian Mind, pgs. 157-158)

 

II-                  Order in music demonstrates that God is worthy of our best personnel — which means the most talented and skilled we can arrange. (1 Chron 23)

 

Plutacrch syas: “The chiefest and sublimest end of music is the graceful return of our thanks to the gods.”  In these words the wisdom of the bible representation is vindicated.  A worthy conception of God is the only thing which can give the true inspiration of music, and keep it pure and noble through all its strains.  Thus music and religion ought never to be divorced.  (Joseph S. Excell; The Biblical Illustrator: Vol. 5, 1 Chronicles – Psalm 21:5, p. 89)

 

In the earlier history, music was associated with prophesy.  Samuel told Saul he would meet a band of prophets coming down from a worship place with these instruments (1 Sam. 10:5).  Thus the role of the prophet in the ancient worship had been completely taken over by the musicians by the time of the Chronicler.  Other passages indicate that prophesy had become rare in the later period also (Zech. 13:2).  (Joe O. Lewis, Layman’s Bible Book Commentary, Volume 5, 149)

 

Associated with orderliness is the pursuit of excellence.  Notice how many references there are in these chapters to skill and ability (e.g. 25:7; 26:6, 9, 30ff.; 27:32).  This skill is particularly associated with the musical duties of the Levites, and is therefore easy for us to identify with.  There is clear warrant in these verses for the pursuit of excellence in every department of church life.  If we would have ministers in our churches let us ensure that they are adequately trained.  (J.G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, I & II Chronicles, 93)

If we would have administrators, secretaries, treasurers, let us ensure that they bring the highest standards to their tasks–providing training in these areas if necessary.  If we would have music let us channel all available talent into it, see that the musicians have sufficient resources for their task, and that a proper atmosphere exists for them to make their contribution.  (J.G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, I & II Chronicles, 93)

 

We may note the prominence here of the function of prophecy as associated with the Levites (cf. On 15.22); the precise sense, however, is not clear.  Is the term perhaps being used in a rather looser sense for ‘divine inspiration’, since the reference is to prophesying with musical instruments of various kinds?  The association of music with prophecy (cf. Most clearly the Elisha story in II Kings 3.15) may point to some procedure by which the playing of music in worship was seen to be related to the revealing of the divine word.  (Peter R. Ackroyd, I & II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, 84)

 

In the Old Testament, prophecy is frequently connected to music.  As the prophet’s heart was soothed or inspired by the music, he was prepared to hear the word of God (1 Sam. 10:5; 2 Kings 3:15).  Many Old Testament prophecies come to us in poetic or musical form.  (Winfried Corduan, Shepherd’s Notes, I, II Chronicles, 44)

 

Perhaps the chief point to note in this chapter is the orderly thoroughness which is commended when God’s people prepare to sing his praises.  Is there not place here then for spontaneous worship?  Of course there is; three times in 25:1-3 the function of the musicians is said to be ‘prophesying’, meaning that they are open to whatever unexpected ministry the Spirit of God may put into their mouths.  But in the same verses they are also said, three times, to be ‘under…direction’.  The freedom is within a framework.  (Michael Wilcock, The Message of Chronicles, 105)

 

It is interesting to note that skill in music and the gift of prophecy went hand in hand at the time of David.  The ability to prophesy (proclaim messages inspired from God) is mentioned three times in connection with the ministry of these singing guilds (verse 1, 2, and 3).  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 266)

 

God worked through these singers to proclaim his message to Israel.  In connection with this prophesying, we are told that it was either done “under the king’s supervision” or under the supervision of one of the guild leaders (verses 2 and 6).  Prophecy did not have to be accompanied by some wild, ecstatic display before it could qualify as true prophecy.  It was subject to and carried out under the supervision of legitimate authority.  Even in the Old Testament “the spirits of the prophets (were) subject to the control of the prophets” (1 Corinthians 14:32).  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 266)

 

The selection by lot was carried out only after David and the Levites had exercised their own common sense in picking out the ones who had the qualifications to do the work.  They did not expect a mere casting of a lot suddenly to supply people with skills they did not previously possess.  So, too, in selecting people to carry out various roles and ministries in the church, we ought not take the “least common denominator” approach and simply lay hands suddenly on those who volunteer for everything, or on the people whom we know will not refuse us when we ask for help.  First look for those who possess the requisite skills for the ministry to which we are calling them.  Then ask them to serve.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 267)

 

There is mention of the high standards associated with their ministry of music and song in verses 7, 8.  Evidently there was a general training scheme to test and improve professional competence (v. 7) and rehearsals designed to teach accomplished renderings of the traditional songs.  According to the Jewish Talmud, in later times the temple choristers underwent five years’ training.  These references, tantalizingly brief though they are, speak volumes to the Christian church.  (Leslie Allen, Mastering The Old Testament, 1, 2, Chronicles, 164)

 

There is more to prophesying than predicting the future.  Prophecy also involves singing God’s praises and preaching God’s messages (1 Corinthians 14:1ff).  Prophets could be musicians, farmers (Amos 1:1), wives (2 Kings 22:14), or leaders (Deuteronomy 34:10)–anyone who boldly and accurately spoke out for God and tried to bring people back to worshiping him.  From a large group of musicians David chose those who showed an unusual ability to tell about God and to encourage others in song.  (Tyndale House Publishers, Life Application Study Bible, 702)

 

The association of music with prophecy is not as odd as it may at first appear.  Indeed, surely our own experience of worship has taught us the capacity of music to strike deep chords within us, and bring us to a heightened awareness of the presence, power, love, and majesty of God.  (Steven S. Tuell, Interpretation, First and Second Chronicles, 102)

 

There is a sense in which these families represent musical guilds, as witnessed in their contribution to the Psalms (cf. Ps. 73-89).  Perhaps each family or guild has its own distinctive musical style or repertoire, or some other distinctive feature (note, e.g., the musical notations introducing the psalms of the Asaph and Korah collections, Ps. 73-89).  (Andrew E. Will, The NIV Application Commentary, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 309)

 

Singing to instrumental accompaniment seems to be the norm in the Old Testament.  Such music was a part of the temple dedication (Ps. 30), Sabbath worship (Ps. 92), temple worship (2 Chron. 29:28; Ps. 100:2), and other special festivals (Isa. 30:29).  It is not surprising that David organizes the Levitical musical guilds responsible for the music of the temple liturgy since he himself accounts for nearly half of the songs in the Psalter (cf. 2 Sam. 23:1).  No doubt, his example of exuberant and skillful musicianship serves the Levitical corps well as they direct the worship of Israel.  (Andrew E. Will, The NIV Application Commentary, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 310-311)

 

The reference to “young and old alike, teacher as well as student” (25:8) suggests a conservatory-like environment with emphasis on technique and skill level through training and rehearsal in addition to scheduled appearances for music ministry in the temple liturgy.  (Andrew E. Will, The NIV Application Commentary, 1 & 2 Chronicles, 312)

 

III-                God’s order (Law, statutes, precepts, principles, commands) in all things demonstrates God is Lord over every aspect of our lives since God is a god of order and he created us in His image (Gen 1:26-27; 9:6; 1 Chron ; 1 Cor 14:26-40)

 

For the community to which the work was addressed there is the implicit appeal that if they are to be the true people of God they must see themselves as the successors to what was decreed by David and must express in their own life and organization the values which are set out in the Davidic material.  (Peter R. Ackroyd, I & II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, 82)

 

Being a gatekeeper.  Their chief mission was to preserve the outward purity of God’s house.  To do this they would guard the entrances (1 Chronicles 9:23) so that no one unfit or unclean according to the law of Moses could enter (see Exodus 12:48 and Psalm 15:1-5).  They were the first ones there to open up the gates at daybreak and the last ones there to close things down at night.  Some were posted at various stations around the temple courts to keep watch throughout the hours of darkness (1 Chronicles 9:27).  During the day others were, no doubt, responsible for keeping the temple courtyards free from disturbances.  Worshipers of God had a right to expect a peaceful and orderly environment in which to offer their praises to the Most High.  Conflict and fighting would defile God’s house.  Charge of guarding the temple storerooms was also given to these men (verse 14 and 17).  This concern for keeping God’s house free from things that defile arose out of a deep reverence for the holy God.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 271-272)

 

The Christian who visits a church on vacation and enjoys a Sunday service knows nothing about the labors of love that lie behind it.  Yet one should be able to guess and, when one thanks the preacher, should mentally throw in thanks to the host of others who have contributed behind the scenes.  Commitment to the Lord means, whether it is a welcome truth or not, commitment to a mass of details.  Viewed aright, they become windows through which the face of the Lord may be glimpsed.  (Leslie Allen, Mastering The Old Testament, 1, 2, Chronicles, 155)

 

Probably the first of the genealogies was understood to refer to the maintenance staff: so 23:24 suggests.  If so, it is significant that they were given priority and pride of place in the Chronicler’s listing.  (Leslie Allen, Mastering The Old Testament, 1, 2, Chronicles, 158)

 

The temple service was highly structured, but this did not hinder the Spirit of God.  Rather, it provided an orderly context for worship.  (Compare 1 Corinthians 14:40.) Sometimes we feel that planning and structure are unspiritual activities that may hinder spontaneity in worship.  But order and structure can free us to respond to God.  Order brings glory to God as we experience the joy, freedom, and calm that come when we have wisely prepared in advance.  (Tyndale House Publishers, Life Application Study Bible, 701)

 

CONCLUSION/APPLICATION: What does this message have to do with Christ and me?:

 

1. A.                   As much as you are able, live your life as one created in the image of the God of order under the influence of the Spirit of God.  (Matthew 5:1-7:29; Rom 8:29; 12:1-2; Eph 4:7-32; Jms 1:2-4; Heb 12:10; 1 Jn 3:1-2; 2 Pt 1:4)

 

The lists in those chapters no doubt veil a vast amount of work that was unseen and unsung.  The readiness of small and great alike to be subject to the random decree of the “lot” (25:8) is testimony to a great humility.  Yet the very association of such tasks with the service of God lent it a glory.  Such work continues in the day-to-day life of our churches.  We too should be prepared to submerge the difference between “small and great”, remembering that those who undertake humble tasks faithfully shall know a recognition which possibly eludes them now.  (J.G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, I & II Chronicles, 92)

 

What God caused the Chronicler to write so long ago can help us keep our head on straight today.  He reframes the question for us by presenting us with three vital points we must consider with respect to service offered to God.  The first is: all service to God has infinite worth, not because of what it is in itself.  It can be the scouring of a pot, the cleaning of a worship implement, or the singing of a song.  It derives its value from the fact that it is done according to God’s command and offered to him.  Not the offerer, not what he offers, but the one to whom he offers it, is the consideration that gives value to service.  The second point is that such service cannot go against God’s Word and still be service to God.  Simply giving something the name of a rose will not make it smell as sweet.  The third point is that different groups may have different responsibilities, but they are no less loved by God for that.  And if they are loved by God, we, too, will hold them in high regard as worthy of our love and respect.  The church has no need for prima donnas and grandstanders.  It has great need for Christians who are ruled by a spirit of humility and who “consider others better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3).  The congregation where such a spirit prevails will work in harmony as they offer a united worship to God in all they do.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 254-255)

 

The temple itself had not yet been built; but the king seems to have made these arrangements in anticipation, while the actual casting of lots “for each gate” (v. 13) may have come later, after the structures were completed.  God’s assignment of this section of his Word to “businessmen” suggests something of the importance he attaches to each person’s part in the kingdom, material and spiritual.  (Frank E. Gaebelin, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 4, 425)

 

A well-ordered life is the fruit of a well-ordered mind.  The life of the leader should reflect the beauty and orderliness of God. (J. Oswald Sanders; Spiritual Leadership – Principles of Excellence for Every Believer, p. 41)

 

Your vision has not truly captured your heart until it captures your wallet. For this reason, at some point along the way, God is going to call upon you to make a financial sacrifice for the thing he has put in your heart to do. He knows that when you commit your treasure to the vision, your heart will follow. When you take those first sacrificial steps to act on your vision, your heart moves with you and attaches itself to the vision.

When we loosen our hands from around our treasure, he loosens the world’s death grip from our hearts. When you apply your hands to a divinely ordered vision, God begins a reordering of your heart as well. (Andy Stanley; Visioneering, p.138)

 

When the proper ordering of the human system under God is complete–which no doubt will never fully occur in this life because of the social dimension of the self and our finitude and the total spiritual environment surrounding us–then we have people who “love God with all their heart, and with all their soul, and with all their strength, and with all their mind; and their neighbor as themselves” (Luke 10:27, PAR; see also Mark 12:30-33).  When we are like this, our whole life is an eternal one.  Everything we do counts for eternity and is preserved there (Colossians 3:17). (Dallas Willard; Renovation of the Heart, p. 41)

 

1. Never forget that anything can become evil if it is done in the wrong order or becomes an end in itself rather than a reason to glorify God (ie. David census of Israel -1 Chron 21; Eccl 3:1-8; 1 Cor 6:12; 10:23)

 

The priests had a predilection, apparently, for letting out rooms in the temple for the use of non-Israelites (see Nehemiah 13).  This shocking disregard for the way things ought to be was an insult to the Lord, and a flagrant usurpation of the rights given by David to the Levites.  Everything in the temple betokened a holy God who was set apart from the sinners.  He could be approached only in the prescribed way.  The Levites played a crucial role in maintaining the purity of God’s house.  They were to be in charge of those rooms.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 253)

 

Particularly striking is the statement that the Levites are responsible for maintaining just and proper measures (23:29).  Just weights and measures are repeatedly urged in the Hebrew Bible, and the use of false weights is called an abomination, abhorred by God (for example, Lev. 19:35-36; Prov. 11:1; Amos 8:5).  In the ancient Near East the maintenance of standard weights and measures was typically a royal responsibility.  (Steven S. Tuell, Interpretation, First and Second Chronicles, 97-98)

 

Only here in Chronicles is the maintenance of just measures a Levitical responsibility.  (Steven S. Tuell, Interpretation, First and Second Chronicles, 98)

 

1. Realize that proper worship has just as much to do with expressing truth as it does with the motivation of our spirit (Jn 4:24; Phil 3:3)

 

A cult is a religious organization that has 1 truth.   – We need the whole counsel of God.

 

“Christians who are filled with the Spirt will live ordered, disciplined lives controlled by their minds, which are in turn submitted to God’s Word.  Sanctification and the Word of God are deeply linked . . .The fulness of the Holy Spirit then has more to do with holiness of life than with charismatic gifts. He is after all the Holy Spirit! (Kenneth Prior; The Way of Holiness, p. 127)

 

Almost more important than the subject-matter of the Levites’ duties is the orderliness which is here associated with them (cf. 1 Chr. 6:32).  Everyone played his part, it seems, exactly as it was laid down that he should.  From this it emerges that the search for “decency and order” in worship was not the invention of Paul (1 Cor. 14:40), but is something inherent in worship itself.  Worship can be sublime and spiritual without becoming disorganized; and the converse is probably not true.  (J.G. McConville, The Daily Study Bible Series, I & II Chronicles, 93)

 

According to 2 Chronicles 23:19 the purpose of their work was “that no one who was in any way unclean should enter.”  There is evidence in the Old Testament that the temple gates were spiritual checkpoints.  Psalm 15 is the main evidence.  It represents an interchange between a pilgrim and evidently a gatekeeper as to God’s standards for the would-be worshiper.  (Leslie Allen, Mastering The Old Testament, 1, 2, Chronicles, 167)

 

Today, evangelicalism reverberates with worldliness.  In first impressions, this worldliness does not appear ugly at all.   Quite the opposite.   It maintains a warm and friendly countenance, parading itself as successful entrepreneurship, organizational wizardry, and a package of slick public relations insights that are essential to the facilitation of evangelical business.

Now, there is nothing wrong with entrepreneurship or organizational wizardry or public relations or television images and glossy magaziners per se.  The problem lies in the current evangelical inability to see how these things carry within them values that are hostile to Christian faith.   The problem, furthermore, lies in the unwillingness of evangelicals to forsake the immediate and overwhelming benefits of modernity, even when corrupted values are part and parcel of those benefits.   What is plainly missing, then, is discernment, and this has much to do with the dislocation of biblical truth from the life of the church today and much to do with the dying of its theological roots.     (David Wells; God in the Wasteland , p. 55)

 

An organization that does not allow itself time to think may turn into a thoughtless organization.  -Anders Hemre

 

1. D.                   Never fail to look to Jesus who was able to order His life in such a way that He lived righteously before God and man. He will order the life of those “in Christ” as well (Lk 2:40, 52; Heb 2:10; 4:15; 5:8-9; 7:28).

 

Only through Christ does the restless heart gain entrance into the peaceable kingdom.  He is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:56).  By faith in him “we have gained access into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:2).  He is the gatekeeper, the one who guards the entrance to the temple, his church.  No one may enter into God’s presence except through him.  Believers know this, and so they worship God with a deep sense of reverence, and a keen understanding of what a privilege it is–an amazing grace–to be able to stand before the Savior God.  (Paul O. Wendlan, The People’s Bible, 1 Chronicles, 272-273)

 

But a philosophy which begins with matter, structure or change as its ultimate and starting point can never result in a delineation of the ways of the self-contained Creator of nature.  Christian thought has consistently gone astray, throughout most of its history, by seeking to answer the world in terms of the world’s own categories.  (Rousas J. Rushdoony, By What Standard?, p. 3)

 

Worship point: Just try to live your life in perfect order where everything you say, do, think, and imagine is in perfect harmony and conformity with the will, Law and design of God.  If you are honest as you make this effort, you will begin to truly worship Jesus who was able to perfectly accomplish everything we’re not.

 

Spiritual Challenge: Endeavor to live a life of order.  BUT, when you or someone else fails to live a life of perfect order, allow God’s grace that He sheds on you be that which you shed on others.

 

 

What is the difference between a garden and a jungle? . . .  Order

What is the difference between peace and war? . . .  Order

What is the difference between learning and ignorance? . . .  Order

What is the difference between efficiency and waste? . . .  Order

What is the difference between disciplined and chaos? . . .  Order

What is the difference between wisdom and foolishness? . . .  Order

What is the difference between music and noise? . . .  Order

What is the difference between communication and gibberish? . . .  Order

What can be the difference between excellent and mediocre? . . .  Order

What can be the difference between honor and shame? . . .  Order

What can be the difference between healthy and illness? . . .  Order

What can be the difference between vitality and fatigue? . . .  Order

What can be the difference between whole-hearted  and half-hearted? . . .  Order

What can be the difference between success and failure? . . .  Order

What can be the difference between God-honoring worship and blaspheme? . . .  Order