Everything Pertaining to God

“Also to his son Shemaiah were sons born who were rulers in their fathers’ houses, for they were men of great ability… able men qualified for the service… 

“These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties,.. ministering in the house of the Lord…

“Of the Levites, Ahijah had charge of the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated gifts… 

“Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to external duties for Israel, as officers and judges. Of the Hebronites,.. 1,700 men of ability had the oversight of Israel westward of the Jordan for all the work of the Lord and for the service of the king… King David appointed 2,700 men of ability,.. to have the oversight of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of the Manassites for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king…

“Over the king’s treasuries was Azmaveth..; over the treasuries in the country, cities, villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan..;  and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri..;  and over the vineyards was Shimei..; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi… Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan..; and over the stores of oil was Joash. Over the herds [were] Shitrai [and] Shaphat… Over the camels was Obil..; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah… Over the flocks was Jaziz…  All these were stewards of King David’s property.

“Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel.. attended the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.  Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada.., and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.” 1 Chronicles 26:6,8,12,20,29-30,32; 27:25-34

A king whose heart is after God’s sees every industry and task as for Him. The Lord had so imbued David’s mind with a broad, eternal perspective that each assignment he gave for his affairs pertained to God. After all, he was God’s, his role God-given and anointed, his end God’s glory, so everything required for the running of his kingdom should bear his Sovereign’s imprint.

And his kingdom was vast, with many needs: Finance, organization, maintenance, leadership, agriculture, farming, animal husbandry, counsel, communication, military soldiers and commanders, confidantes. The Lord gave David discernment for each area and provided individuals with specific abilities and impeccable character to meet needs with excellence. Indeed, He rules His kingdom this way, gifting and utilizing His creatures to accomplish His purposes in the world and in us individually. His is an efficient and glorious economy.

How do we view our work? Is my career or ministry mine alone to determine, orchestrate, and build? Do I boast intellect and other gifts as my own to dole out my way? What would change if I saw every aspect of my job(s) as pertaining to God? Would I own a more cheerful attitude to housework, more careful stewardship of resources, a looser hold on rights, time schedules, and material goods?

Wasted time and resources offend the generosity of our Master. He will not tolerate laziness and apathy. He expects fruitfulness from the appropriation of His provision. (Luke 12:48; 13:6-9; John 15:16)

Lord, help me diligently go about my assignments, keeping You central to produce much and make the most for Your glorious sake.