Early County News

Serve with the gratitude of David

Sunday School Lesson


 

 

1 Chronicles 16

Our human race is designed with the desire to worship. “Worship” is defined as “reverence or devotion for a deity; religious homage or veneration.” (Webster). This act can take many forms. If our worship is to be recognized by our Heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe, the direction is always vertical. Any time that worship becomes horizontal, it is idolatry.

The Chosen Nation, Israel, had been given their method and means of worship after they left their Egyptian bondage. When they reached Mount Sinai, the details were given in specific terms. When these divinely-given plans were followed, the nation knew the blessings of God, Jehovah. Over time, the reality of worship slipped into ritual. This “spiritual slippage” resulted in loss of communion with God.

The enemy-captured ark of the covenant was, eventually, returned to its proper place. 1 Chronicles 16:1a. This event was a time of great rejoicing for each seeking heart. This time of great rejoicing was led by King David. We are told that “they [the people] offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.” 1 Chronicles 16:1b. The king did not forget the needs of his people. “When David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name (authority) of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 16:2. The physical needs of the people were addressed, as well. “And he [David] dealt (to divide; to distribute) to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.” 1 Chronicles 16:3.

After the time of feasting, the purpose of the gathering was not forgotten. Since it had been many years since proper worship had been practiced by these people, it was necessary for the work of the Levites to be re-established. The king took the occasion to place in the tent of meeting the proper tasks that were to be carried out by these God-ordained individuals. “And he appointed certain of the Levites [the priestly tribe] to (1) minister (serve) before the ark of the Lord, and to (2) record (remember; bring to remembrance), and to (3) thank and praise the Lord God of Israel.” 1 Chronicles 16:4. The divine record gives the names of the individuals who were assigned these responsibilities. 1 Chronicles 16:5, 6.

The use of many musical instruments would allow one to expect singing. “Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph [the song leader] and his brethren.” 1 Chronicles 16:7. The Lord, Jehovah and His blessings became the focus of the singers and hearers. “(1) Give thanks unto the Lord, (2) call upon his name, and (3) make known his deeds among the people.” 1 Chronicles 16:8. The natural response to this prescribed activity is seen “(4) Sing unto him, sing psalms (songs) unto him, (5) talk ye of all his wonderous works.” 1 Chronicles 16:9.

The attitude of the people was to be focused on the nature of God. “(6) Glory (show honor) ye in his holy name: let the heart (fountain of life) of them rejoice (brighten up; cheer up) that seek (search for) the Lord (Jehovah).” 1 Chronicles 16:10. The next instruction uses a different Hebrew word for “seek.” “(7) Seek (inquire after) the Lord and his strength (might), (8) seek [Note: another word] (search for) his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11.

Since the worship had been neglected for years, there was a great need for individuals, and the nation, to turn their attention back to God. This action would be greatly helped when one would “(9) Remember his (a) marvellous works that he hath done, his (b) wonders, and (c) the judgments of his mouth.” 1 Chronicles 16:12. Should we not “remember” the great blessings in our own lives?

The focal point of this great song is the nature of God. “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.” 1 Chronicles 16:25. Against this backdrop, there is a natural outcome from any thankful heart. “(1) Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.” 1 Chronicles 16:28. The focus will become clearer, as the heart continues to recognize the nature of our God “(2) Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name (character; authority; majesty).” 1 Chronicles 16:29a. This personal realization will result in one desiring to express gratitude, “(1) bring an offering, and come before him; (2) worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” 1 Chronicles 16:29b.

It is easy for fallen mankind to lose sight of the holiness of God. Rather than “worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness,” one can substitute the “holiness of beauty.” This second attitude immediately turns to “spiritual adultery” leading to idolatry. May we never fall into this trap!

The ancient people were instructed in a way to avoid the “trap” of spiritual wandering. “Fear ([have] reverence) before him [God], all the earth: the world also shall be stable (fixed), that it be not moved (slip; waver).” 1 Chronicles 16:30. The song writer of old recognized the worship of all of nature. 1 Chronicles 16:31-33. His instruction to the singers and hearers is quite clear, “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34.

The worship of that particular day did not remove the enemies that surrounded the land. A prayer for protection was included in this song. “And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.” 1 Chronicles 16:35.

We are far-removed, historically, from these ancient people. Yet, the same spiritual enemies that would turn their thoughts in an improper direction continues to face us, today. As these people were instructed to focus on the goodness and greatness of God, we can do no less, today. May we ever be faithful!

Rev. James C. Temples’ Sunday School Lesson has appeared in the Early County News each week since 1967. He also served as pastor and evangelist during those years. He can be contacted at P. O. Box 1484, Swainsboro, GA 30401; 478- 299- 2068. Email: temples_james@yahoo.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.