December 15, 2017 - - I Chronicles 27:30-31 Humble Service

and Jaziz the Hagrite was over the flocks. All these were the officials over KIng David's property.

Also Jehonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons.

I Chronicles 27:31-32 NKJV

When reading through the Bible, you'll probably come across a few difficult verses, or paragraphs, or even whole chapters. For me the hard-to-slog-through portion was yesterday's reading: a series of very-difficult-to-pronounce-names all of whom were King David's officials, these four chapters--I Chronicles 23-27.

Ever see TV credits or movie credits? My nephew, Charles, is a regular on Murdoch Mysteries and his cousins love to point out his name in credits. They do this to prove to their peers that Charles is in fact a TV personality with cred.

Reflecting on this made me realize something. The men in King David's service, and their families, no doubt were so honoured to be named among David's wise counselors, providers of service and blessing to the King's household. Their families probably joyfully pointed out to others, "Hey, Jaziz is my nephew! He is now the chief shepherd over King David's flocks. Yes! The very man who himself used to be a famous shepherd."

More importantly even than their families' accolades and recognition, these men and their various forms of service (which may seem such a hard list for us to endure) are known to the Living God. He has appointed some for mighty service and others for humble service. (God is the Judge: He puts down one and exalts another. Psalm 75:7)

Today, do not be discouraged if your work is not noticed by your peers, the LORD sees. Do not lose heart for service if your family does not see what you are doing in love for them, the LORD knows and blesses. When your hands are employed in volunteering and it seems an endless and thankless task, do not lose heart. Today, understand, obedience to Jesus Christ means that sometimes God exalts a person in His service and allows for the recognition of the community; other times He puts one into humbler service or circumstances, knowing what egos and souls need for His purposes.

Fellow believers, no matter where you serve, you are known to God. Beloved of God strengthened by His Spirit you are being conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. The greatest joy for us is to know our names are written in the lists of Lamb's Book of Life; whether or not we are known to others, we are daughters and sons of God, co-heirs with Jesus, to the honour and glory of God our King.

Forgive the times we have been found grumbling in Your service, O King of Glory. Thank You for the gifts and the talents which Your Spirit pours out on believers so that it is a joy to serve for Your glory. Renew our commitment this day so that we will serve You aware of the reputation of Jesus Christ and longing to add to the greater renown of Your Name. Amen.