A NEW BEGINNING FOR JERUSALEM

1 Chron. 9:1-44
 Some key verses: (1, 2, 13, 22b, 23, 27)
"All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness." (1)

"Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants." (2, italics mine)

"The priests, who were heads of families, numbered 1,760. They were able men, responsible for ministering in the house of God." (13)


"The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer. They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord—the house called the tent of meeting." (22b, 23)

"They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning." (27)

The background for this passage is summarized in verse 1. Israel had been deported to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. This is how the writer of Chronicles described their sin. Unfaithfulness is a two-sided coin: lack of faith (unfaith in God) and lack of faithfulness (unfaithfulness to God). They go together. When the Israelites began to lose the absoluteness of their faith in God, especially God's grace in their lives, they became unfaithful to God and corrupted themselves with idolatry, sexual immorality and a general apathy in regard to the things of God. This continued for generations as God patiently waited for them  to repent. Then he sent them into exile as a form of punishment with a redemptive purpose. Now that time was over. 

As the Israelites returned to the land, the first to return were priests, Levites and temple servants. The priests, Levites and temple servants were among the first to return. They were the ones with the greatest sense of stewardship for God's house. We see a new beginning through them. They had an earnest desire to repent and be faithfully devoted to the God of Israel. Through such precious servants of God, God could begin a new history. The nation could have a fresh start.

We want to see God's mighty work in our church, in N. America and in world mission. Where and how does it begin? It must begin with myself. I must return to God with new, fresh and earnest desire to repent and seek God. I must be faithful in small things like doing Daily Bread, intercessory prayer in the morning, personal Bible study, getting things done on time, taking care of my family, etc. Faithfulness begins with small things. 

"They were able men, responsible for ministering in the house of God." (13) God is looking for able men who are responsible for ministering to his people. This can be ordinary people like me (and you). Look around! See who and what needs my love and attention! Be alert! Be watchful! Be a gatekeeper in the house of God!

This week many guests are coming to Chicago. It is time to serve and be spiritually alert! Lord, help me to be faithful in the small tasks you give me. Help me to consider them precious. Help me to consider everyone precious whoever they are and whatever they are doing as they serve you. Thank you for your grace to me. Help me to be able and responsible to lead my family and take care of all the duties of my ministry. In Christ' name Amen. 

One Word: Be faithful to God in small things!