DAY 152
Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 9-10
The great detail given in these genealogies was not some sort of space filler or busy work for the people. The nation of Judah was a special people, a people chosen by God, blessed by God, punished by God, and now restored to their homeland by God. Upon her return to Judea, she would need to restore some semblance of identification and religion as the people of God. Despite all they had been though, they were still God’s chosen people, and they still had obligations of religious service that must be rendered. The identification and responsibilities of the Levites with respect to the tabernacle was most needful. The Law did not change simply because they had been captives for nearly two generations. Thus, an informed and vigorous priesthood was needed. Every task, no matter how mundane, was assigned to the Levites and carried out with reverence and care. Our lesson is that everything done in service to the Lord, regardless of how unimportant it might appear, is vital to the success of the local body. Moreover, Divinely delegated authority must be respected and maintained. Chapter Ten moves to the time of the kings. Despite being Israel’s first king, and one who reigned forty years, very little is said of Saul. Ezra (whom I believe to be the author) assumes the people know of Saul’s misdeeds and his inglorious history. In fact, only his untimely demise is given any attention before moving on to the author’s main focus, the reign of David and his offspring.
New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 12-14
Paul gives further emphasis to our previous lesson of love and unity, as he describes in marvelous detail the importance of every member of the body. Not every body part receives the same glory. I have heard and participated in discussions concerning which part or sense we would least want to be without. But God teaches us that the body cannot function at its highest level unless every part does its share (cf Eph 4:14-16). Not only must each part function properly and as God intended, each member of the body must recognize that none of us stand or function alone. Having so said, Paul reminds us to have a proper concern for one another, also reminding us that when one member suffers, all other members suffer with it.
Leave a Reply