Missing Out of God's Blessings 05.14.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday May 14, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chapters 6-7 in your Bbile or Click Here to read.

Today we will read and learn about the descendants of Levi; the Temple singers and keepers appointed; the descendants of Aaron; the cities of the Levites; and numerous genealogies leading to the birth of Christ. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we must guard ourselves against giving in to seeking the things that this world offers before we miss out on God's best blessings.

Chapter six is given wholly to the tribe of Levi, which God appointed to serve as His priests. Levi's descendants include Moses and Aaron, which also lists of all their priestly services throughout the chapter. From the time Abram dwelt in Hebron it has a major part in God's plan for Israel.

The long and seemingly uninteresting genealogy in these chapters reveals that God does not look on mankind as just a multitude of human beings who populate the earth. The name of every individual priest and Levite, along with the family and tribe he belonged to, was carefully registered. In gratitude for their spiritual leadership, the other tribes were given the responsibility of sustaining the Levites who lived within their communities through their tithes and offerings. Of first consideration in this listing was the high priest, who was chosen only from the family of Aaron, "And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." (I Chronicles 6:3).

Some were wholeheartedly devoted to their God-given responsibilities while others profaned their holy calling. From the time of Aaron, the first high priest, until the Babylonian captivity, the names of the priests are documented in detail. Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar were devoted to their calling as priests, but Aaron's two oldest sons Nadab and Abihu were struck dead when they ignored the Commandments of God. Samuel was a godly judge, but the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah (6:28) were evil. For years, Zadok (I Chronicles 6:8) shared the High Priest position with Abiathar (I Kings 2:26-35), but by participating in Adonijah's plot to seize the throne from David became a traitor.

The sons of Levi represented a sacred office not a political appointment or popular vote of the people so there was to be complete, submissive obedience to their God-given call. Every true Christian today has the privilege and responsibility of representing the Lord and of being a faithful servant of Christ. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" (James 2:19-22).

The Israelites who had suffered in Babylonian captivity knew that they had returned to holy ground. God had said the land is Mine (Leviticus 25:23). But it was equally important for the Israelites to recognize that they were a peculiar people (Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:18). This means they were special, privileged people who belong to God. And these facts remind us that we too belong to the Lord, as well as all that we possess.

Consequently, there must be a practical expression in every aspect of our lives by the allocation of time and talent, as well as tithes and offerings These are to be used for maintaining the teaching of His Word. Where these aspects of one's daily life are ignored, then it is meaningless to say that Christ is Lord of our lives.

It should be of little consequence to us whether or not we are used of God in spectacular work. The deception of our twenty-first century is that we are prone to measure God's approval in the light of sensational success. However, the person who satisfies God is one who is loyal to the indwelling Christ. "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:15-23).

In today's message Jsus Christ is revealed through the cities of refuge (I Chronicles 6:57,67,78). For a person to have protection from the avenger of blood, he had to flee to a city of refuge. God provided His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to be our Refuge from His judgment against sin. When, by faith, in obedience to His Word, we come to Christ, He becomes our Refuge, "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;" (Hebrews 6:17-19).

Today's Psalm: 9:9-10
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Your kingdom of light stands in great contrast to Satan’s dominion of darkness. As Your children we want our lives to be characterized by light, the light of Your Holy Spirit, who dwells within our hearts. Thank You for taking us out of the dominion of evil and placing us under the benevolent rule of Your Son, Jesus Christ. This brought about a great deliverance from our powerless life where we had no control over the evil one to a life where Your indwelling power can conquer any foe. You have not only delivered us in the past but You will continue to deliver us from the venomous attacks of Satan as we set our hope in You. In Jesus name......Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and God Bless you.
Christina

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