The next few days our readings are lists of names. If you need more inspiration, I suggest that you also read the following passage for your personal devotions today.
Psalm 103
SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon because they were unfaithful to the Lord. The first of the exiles to return to their property in their former towns were priests, Levites, Temple servants, and other Israelites. [1 Chronicles 9:1-2]
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. [John 21:15]
Today’s passage starts with the reminder that the nation of Israel ‘crashed’ because of the foolish choices they had made.
But then it explains how the spiritual leaders (priests and levites) returned from their exile in Babylon to start over with God.
God has not rejected them, He is prepared to give them another chance.
This makes me think of Peter; after betraying Jesus, he comes back (after the resurrection) and wants to serve Jesus again.
Notice how Jesus uses his old name, Simon; prior to this Jesus always called him Peter, the new name He had given him.
Jesus is recommissioning Peter for his assignment – feed my lambs.
The reality is, spiritual leaders fail all the time; I know I do.
And the damage caused by the failure of spiritual leaders is serious.
But there is hope for forgiveness, hope for a new beginning.
God does not write us off when we fail Him. He will allow us to experience the consequences of our choices, but He will also make room for us to admit our failure, and serve Him again.
But the important thing to always remember is that we are called – and restored – to serve God by serving others.
God sent Jesus as the Good Shepherd to take care of the weak, the small, the vulnerable, the oppressed, the needy, and He has called us to join Him in that task.
If we abuse that position, or neglect His sheep, He will remove us from our positions.
And if we repent, He will forgive and recommission us, allowing us to serve Him and His sheep again.
Jesus’ is asking me, “do you love me?”
Jesus is commissioning me: “feed my lambs!”
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for not giving up on me when I fail You. I do love You and want to serve You, I do want to care for Your sheep.
The people were in captivity because of their unfaithfulness, but the Lord God is gracious and forgives and He restores their land/property. A new beginning. Our God is a God of new beginnings.
The priests were responsible for ministering in the house of God. The gatekeepers were restored, the principle keepers being the Levites. They were selected for serving the Lord.
I as a Christian am also not my own but selected to serve the Lord. Each day God must be first but I too fail doing that by my actions and words. Prayerfully I approach each day, starting anew in His power to do what I have been assigned to the best of my ability, relying upon His Spirit to guyide me along the way as I work in His kingdom.
Thank You Lord that You are a God of new beinnings through our Saviour, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me this day to walk in Your SonShine, enjoying the day in joy because I am in Your presence.
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light