Worship

Scripture

At vicarious points in the Bible we encounter these long lists of names and descendants and simply reading through them can seem a chore. Yet, as I was reading through our readings for today, I realized that this list comprises the list of priestly lineage for generations. Father passing down a job to his son then his son then his so and so on. 

I am a teacher. My father is a consultant in the auto industry. My grandfather was a baker. In no way have we passed along a lineage of jobs or responsibilities. We are just doing what we need to to provide for our family. Yet, the priests in Nehemiah’s time would dedicate their entire life to the temple and the worship of God. When they had sons, they would pass along these responsibilities. Why isn’t this so today? Sure, there are some family businesses that continue in the hands of the family for years, but this is rare. Why has our culture changed so much since the time of Nehemiah? 

I believe it has something to do with the idea of what are you working for? Today, we often try to find a job that appeals to our likes and skills to some degree, but ultimately, we work for the sake of provision. Yet, in Nehemiah’s day the priest worked to honor the Lord. They had purpose to their jobs much greater than simply putting food on the table. When you know that the ultimate purpose behind waking each morning is to honor the Lord, it is easy to continue in that same position for decades and generations. 

Let us reflect on the fact that we have the same opportunity. Not to say that you must keep your same job forever and pass it along to your children, but our ultimate goal at work is to serve the Lord however that may look.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

‭‭God has given us new life in Christ. Take a moment and thank Him for this incredible gift!

ASK GOD

John‬ ‭3:21‬ ‭NIV
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Living by truth brings light and sight. Ask God to give you a heart for His truth. What do you need to confess to Him? Where do you need His help?

SUBMIT TO GOD

‏John‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Submit your heart to God today and live free of condemnation!

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, you are gracious. You’ve given me life. You’ve redeemed my soul, and given me power through the Holy Spirit. Help me to live like you today. In Jesus Name, Amen!