When it came to doing God’s work in His holy sanctuary, many people presided over different areas of it over time. There was never a scarce moment where someone wasn’t willing to step in and take over the role of whoever died. It was just up to David, before his death, to know what offices and services they would be used for. This was written also in 1 Chronicles 24, starting with verse 1. It reads, 1“now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office. And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.” (1 Chronicles 24:1-3) These men that David chose were important people who not only respected God but revered His commandments. That is why David called them chief men. He also said, 1“and there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar, and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers. Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.” (1 Chronicles 24:4,5) Every person here had their own God-given role in the house of the Lord. This is much like what happens now with churches when people volunteer to serve. However, back then these callings were made through prayer and supplication to God and by dividing people up according to the lot that fell upon them.
Every person that was given a role to serve in the house of the Lord was mentioned. All these people were not anybody ordinary, but chief men, for God was not only important to them, but they showed their service to God also. These men’s families can be found by reading this chapter. We will focus, however, on how they were called to serve God, which was to cast lots. It is recorded that 1“these likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.” (1 Chronicles 24:31) Now, we are talking about a lot of people here, so casting lots made a lot of sense, especially since the outcome was given by God. The people just believed that the Lord would be the one to show what should happen in the sticks with markings. or stones with markings, that they used and tossed to the ground. This practice of casting lots was not just an Old Testament thing, but we know that the disciples also cast lots when they needed to replace Judas. It was said that they 2“they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:24-26) Now, this practice was not bad since prayer was also a part of it. My friends, there is nothing wrong with casting lots, but without prayer, it is only people choosing things out of their own hearts. This must be God-driven or it is not for him at all. God bless you.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for every person that is currently serving You in their church. There are many things they can do for the sake of Your kingdom in the church and outside of it. Evangelism efforts and mission trips are also wonderful. Every one of these people have decided it was important to help others come to know You better, and because of this, their light is shining forth. You have said that as believers, we are to be the light of the world, and these people are lighting it up for all to see. These are not ordinary men, women, and children, but people who diligently love You and want to do Your will. I am grateful for being led to do evangelism efforts here in Boise and also mission trips to Utah. You have prepared a way that I could be so courageous as to open my mouths to people on the streets and share the gospel message of the cross and resurrection with them. Before I came to know You as my personal Savior, I was very timid and even stutter as I spoke. However, now I am given words to speak with clarity each time. Thank You, Lord. I am also so grateful for the “Jesus Is The Light Church” Facebook page and Church. These wonderful members, who are subscribers, diligently want to know You better and I am so blessed to be a pastor over them. Lord, I want everyone to know that You live and have the power to change their lives if they would just trust in You. Nothing we have ever done can keep us apart from Your presence if we would just confess our sins and forsake them. You are calling everyone to be repentance. There should be no person that has their name removed from the book of life when they die, for all people have a chance now to know You as Lord and Savior. I love You, Lord. You are the greatest part of my life, and to serve You is all I desire. Continue to give me the roles I should be in, while in Your service, and I will act on them. Thank You, Lord, for everything. I believe in You. I trust in You. Amen.