RPG Adults
ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XVIII)
MONDAY, MARCH 23
Nehemiah 12:44-47
1 Kings 13:31-34
“…but made again
of the lowest of the people
priests of the high places…”
ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XVIII)
The changes and developments that had occurred in Jerusalem had brought the need for organisational adjustments. The zeal of the people towards God and the House of God, together with their consecration to God, brought about repeated expressions of worship and thanksgiving as part of their congregational response. This resulted in the increase of offerings and tithes. Thus, organisational measures were needed. The faithfulness of the people in giving was to be met by faithful administration and management of the gifts.
And at that time were some appointed over the chambers (Neh 12:44). The giving and offerings of the people were a biblical congregational response and an indication of commitment, loyalty and obedience to God. It was also a clear response to the Word of God read and understood by the people. The law governing the offering of the tithe and the offering of firstfruits was given by Moses in Deuteronomy 26:1-11. It required the people to declare their gratitude to the Lord for the land and inheritance they possessed. This was to be done in word (by a verbal declaration which recognised God’s faithfulness to His gracious covenant given to their fathers), and deed (by a generous gift of a basket of firstfruits which was to be received by the priest and set down before the altar, followed by a covenantal declaration).
Their bringing of gifts during the spiritual feasts brought to their attention the inadequacies that were present in the support and provisions for their ministers (the priests and the Levites). That led to the arrangements to appoint men over the Temple stores and to gather and bring in the tithes, the firstfruits and the heave offerings “out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites” (Neh 12:44). What was offered and brought was to be gathered efficiently, used lawfully and prudently, and kept holy. Those appointed over the chamber treasures had to be priests and Levites, and those who would faithfully, gladly and joyfully discharge their duties.
THOUGHT: God’s house must be ordered according to God’s Word.
PRAYER: Father, grant us faithful ministers and help us provide for them.