1 Chronicles 26:32

REFLECTIONS

FROM the perusal of this Chapter, the ministers of Jesus may derive, under his Spirit's teaching, sweet instruction, to show with what vigilance they are expected to stand as porters in their station. Ye shall be named (saith the prophet) the priests of the Lord. Men shall call you the ministers of our God. Placed at the doors of the house of Jesus, what an eye of vigilance should be open to everyone about to enter; to observe their walk, their life, their conversation, their object, their pursuit, their design. And how to look out and notice the approaches of the enemy, so as to defend the truth from error, and keep back the feet of those who hold the truth in unrighteousness.

From the character and officers represented here under the name of treasurers, how sweetly are the Scribes in the gospel, which are well instructed, taught the necessity of bringing out of the gospel treasury to the people, things new and old. Entrusted by Jesus with the charge of his holy word, his ordinances, and all his precious truths in a way of instrumentality; oh! how lovely is the office of those who, from their inexhaustible Storehouse, bring forth continually to the people the unsearchable riches of Christ. But on the contrary, what an awful abuse of their office do they make, who preach themselves, instead of Christ Jesus the Lord.

And let all officers, and judges, and magistrates, from this sweet chapter learn also that since the temple service with all its appendages were thus appointed, how needful it must be to manifest that they bear not the sword in vain, but by a wise and impartial administration, are counted worthy of double honor.

Lord Jesus! give to all thy servants grace in the several ordinations of thy service, that all, with a single eye to thy glory, may promote thy blessed cause, and set forward the salvation of thy people.