1 Chronicles 26:1-19

Divisions of the Gatekeepers

26 For the divisions of the gatekeepers there were of the Korahites, [a]Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of [b]Asaph. Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, Elam the fifth, Johanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh. Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh and Peullethai the eighth; God had indeed blessed him. Also to his son Shemaiah sons were born who ruled over the house of their father, for they were mighty men of valor. The sons of Shemaiah were Othni, Rephael, Obed and Elzabad, whose brothers, Elihu and Semachiah, were valiant men. All these were of the sons of Obed-edom; they and their sons and their [c]relatives were able men with strength for the service, 62 from Obed-edom. Meshelemiah had sons and relatives, 18 valiant men. 10 Also Hosah, one of the sons of Merari had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father made him first), 11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and relatives of Hosah were 13.

12 To these divisions of the gatekeepers, the chief men, were given duties like their relatives to minister in the house of the Lord. 13 They cast lots, the small and the great alike, according to their fathers’ households, for every gate. 14 The lot to the east fell to [d]Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a counselor with insight, and his lot came out to the north. 15 For Obed-edom it fell to the south, and to his sons went the storehouse. 16 For Shuppim and Hosah it was to the west, by the gate of Shallecheth, on the ascending highway. Guard corresponded to guard. 17 On the east there were six Levites, on the north four daily, on the south four daily, and at the storehouse two by two. 18 At the [e]Parbar on the west there were four at the highway and two at the Parbar. 19 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers of the sons of Korah and of the sons of Merari.

Not everyone is a singer, or a preacher, or even a talker. These men were valiant men, with “strength for the service”. Thus it was fitting that they were the gatekeepers, the soldiers who stood guard to protect the city. Just as their relatives had duties in the house of the Lord, they had their duties that suited their gifts and talents.

Whatever it is that God has gifted you to do, do it as if you were doing it for Him. Even if it doesn’t seem particularly “spiritual” or “holy”, find out how you can bring God glory in what you do every day. Maybe it’s being the best carpenter you can be, with an eye for excellence in the details. Perhaps it’s janitorial work that seems so menial, but make it the best it can be. Take pride in your work, as if you were doing it for the King, because you are… Whatever you do, be excellent and let God shine through you, whether it be flashy or mundane, people will take note.

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