Gifted for His Kingdom
By Dean Collins
The writer of Hebrews says this toward the end of his epistle: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” As with all Scripture, this is more than just a nice thought for a refrigerator magnet or framed calligraphy art. If Jesus was with God at creation, as Scripture says He was, then Jesus has always been involved in the grand drama of Scripture that will ultimately bring the restoration of all that is broken in the world.
What strikes me today as I write is how God organized and ordained people and tasks under the old covenant in ways that have many similarities to the new covenant. In particular, I am struck by the list of names of people who had designated assignments in the overall work of the tribe of Levi concerning the Temple. Right after King David organized the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23, we read several chapters in which the leaders of these families and their assignments are named. This is one more example of how God cares for and uses not only systems but also individual people to accomplish His mission in the world.
What is especially noteworthy is that among the 200 to 250 unique names in the final chapters of 1 Chronicles, certain individuals are mentioned as having exceptional talent, ability, or specific areas of responsibility. Here are a few examples:
Zadok and Ahimelech helped King David organize the priests according to their appointed duties. While we don’t know specifically what their responsibilities involved, this suggests that they had abilities related to organization, administration, and the assessment of responsibilities.
Jeduthun had six sons who were involved in musical leadership at the Temple. Jeduthun was noted as one who prophesied with the lyre, offering thanksgiving and praise to God. Preachers may proclaim the Word through teaching. Musicians proclaim the Word through instruments and singing.
Shemaiah and his sons were men of great ability and were known as rulers and leaders within their families. They were more than gatekeepers; they were men of valor who were entrusted with significant responsibilities.
Zechariah, the son of Shelemiah, was called a shrewd counselor and was assigned the responsibility of the north gate. Even among those assigned to guard the Temple, God had people with particular gifts and abilities.
Benaiah was not only the son of the chief priest, Jehoiada, but also one of David’s mighty warriors. He was a commander of one of Israel’s military divisions and was entrusted with important battles and missions.
Azmaveth, the son of Adiel, was over the king’s treasuries.
Jonathan, the son of Uzziah, was over those who worked the fields and tilled the soil.
The list continues with people responsible for vineyards, olive and sycamore trees, herds, camels, donkeys, flocks, and other aspects of David’s property. There were counselors, scribes, attendants, military commanders, and administrators. Each had a particular responsibility, and together they served the needs of the kingdom.
In the New Testament Scriptures, we find many examples of men and women who had leadership assignments of various kinds and were instrumental in the organization and advancement of the work of ministry in the first-century church. In the epistles, we also see that God moved from the organization of Temple responsibilities to equipping followers of Christ with spiritual gifts. These gifts were given to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.
It would take volumes of books to explore the many people and the many ways God has equipped us with spiritual gifts to do the work of Jesus today. I suppose it is always the tendency of the flesh to become jealous when we see someone else receiving an assignment or gift that we wish we had. But notice that the teaching of Jesus and Paul’s writing always leans toward unity in the body of Christ, not division. At the same time, the diversity of spiritual gifts is how God equips each of us to do our part in His church.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The more we surrender to His will and allow Him to use us in the areas of giftedness He has given us, the more faithfully we will participate in bringing the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven.
Father, thank You for showing us how You have used individuals in the past to do Your work. Thank You for calling us to Yourself through Christ and equipping us to do the work of ministry in the world today. Help us to be faithful with the gifts and responsibilities You have entrusted to us and to celebrate the gifts You have given to others. May we work together in unity to build up the body of Christ and advance Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Hebrews 13:8; 1 Chronicles 24:3, 25:3, 26:6, 14, 27:1-6, 25–34; Ephesians 4:4–7, 11–16 ESV
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