“I will build my church . . .”

 

READ 1 Chronicles 26–29

In the OT, gatekeepers watched at entrance of walled cities for enemy advances. Sometimes in my praying I see myself as a gatekeeper. For me, watching was at first verbal, often negative and usually unwelcome to the people of God who heard my warnings. After a time, I learned that what I saw was mostly for prayer, a focus on trusting Him, rather than assuming others will listen to what I say.

In 1 Chronicles, the genealogies included gatekeepers. They were “rulers in their father’s houses” and “men of great ability, qualified for the service with duties in God’s house.” In other words, a gatekeeper is far more than a noisy warning. They were involved in positions that enabled them to see what needs intercessory prayer. This is a lonely job; today’s gatekeepers need prayer support.

Others were “in charge of all the treasuries of the dedicated gifts that David the king and the heads of the fathers’ houses and the officers of the thousands and the hundreds and the commanders of the army had dedicated. From spoil won in battles they dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 26:26–27)

Those taking care of dedicated gifts are like people in charge of taking care of church offerings, budgets, and other financial matters — counted and dedicated to the well-being of His kingdom. These people should be on my prayer list.

As for the work of the Lord, King David appointed “men of ability, heads of fathers’ houses, to have the oversight of . . . for everything pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.” (26:32) This adds all workers in the church to my prayer list, including pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, youth leaders, kitchen crew, ushers, and more.

This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year . . . . (27:1)

This verse is about warriors. In the church, people engage in spiritual warfare. Not everyone prays that way, but we should. Ephesians 6 talks about wearing God’s armor and battling spiritual entities and evil powers. I also need to pray for those who pray — and those who don’t.

Other genealogy lists include heads of tribes (moms and dads?) and those in charge of every area of life (everyone?) because they are all “stewards of King David’s property” just as Christians are stewards of all that God has given us. Good stewardship should also be a prayer request!

Solomon was to build the house of the Lord, just as the church is called to be kingdom builders for our King Jesus. His duties and our duties are alike and can be applied personally. For instance, Solomon was told to “know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind” and to seek Him. I must do the same. (28:9)

He was also told, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished . . . .” (28:20–21) and he was accountable to “observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.” (28:8)

The king said the work was great, but it was for the Lord. David provided all that was needed for his son to do the job. The people committed themselves to participate in the work. While there would be snags along the way, the house would be built, just as Jesus said He would build His church.

For this, David said:

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. (29:10–13)

His heart was humble: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you” but also asked God: “Keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.”

The result? Everyone did what they could, and the house of God became a wonder in the ancient world. May I do what God asks and may His church make His mark a wonder in our world.