Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 24. Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2024&version=NASB1995
I quote only the following verses.
“Now the divisions of the descendants of Aaron were these: the sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. David, with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their offices for their ministry. Since more chief men were found from the descendants of Eleazar than the descendants of Ithamar, they divided them thus: there were sixteen heads of fathers’ households of the descendants of Eleazar and eight of the descendants of Ithamar, according to their fathers’ households. Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar. Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel the scribe, from the Levites, recorded them in the presence of the king, the princes, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; one father’s household taken for Eleazar and one taken for Ithamar.” 1 Chronicles 24:1-6.
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David divided (and placed) the priests according to their offices for their ministry. Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on the division and placement of Christians around the world.
“But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” 1 Corinthians 12:18.
Some Christians stay all their life in the same church or at least same metropolitan where there are good options for churches with the same doctrine. But, there are other Christians who move to an area where there are no or very few options for a church with the same doctrine.
Some of these Christians who did move (to an area where there are no or very few options for a church with the same doctrine) will either move back to their home or will move to another area where there are good options for churches will the same doctrine. And, it is easier to understand that move. Most often, that should be our goal.
But sometimes, God will lead Christians to stay, or even move, to areas where there are no or very few options for a church with the same doctrine. As one example, there are missionaries. But, there are also other reasons why God has placed them there.
Too often, we only view ourselves in one church or another church. But, God views us “in Christ” in the one true invisible church. According to God’s will, God places us in the body of Christ (the one true invisible church) exactly were He wants to do so. “But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” 1 Corinthians 12:18.
Here are some examples of division for success.
A military force does not always stay altogether in one group, but sometimes, it is divided.
With division into two or more forces, it can better attack the enemy from different positions. With division into two or more forces, it can also spread out and preserve life by preventing the whole military force from being destroyed if there is a concentrated attack on all of them in one area.
“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus.” Genesis 14:14-15.
“The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the herds and the camels, into two companies; for he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape.” Genesis 32:6-8.
Consider how we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Salt is liberally sprinkled here and there in order to penetrate and preserve and give flavor. Salt does not stay in the salt container. Likewise, Christians are spread out.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” Matthew 5:13.
We move a candle or flashlight to areas which are dark in order to bring light to the darkness. Light does not stay under the basket or in one room, so the light may go far and wide and penetrate darkness. Likewise, Christians are spread out.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16.
Peter mostly stayed in Jerusalem. But, Paul traveled extensively in his missionary trips to the Gentiles. We certainly understand the value of this division and placement by God.
“… I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles),” Galatians 2:7-8.
In conclusion, we can and should trust God to guide us.
“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 