God had a purpose for the life of David—I’m sure we can all agree on that. But what about you and me? Does God have a purpose for folks living seemingly ordinary lives in which nothing much ever happens? After all, David was a king—he made the headlines every day. Most of us will never do anything worthy of mention in a newspaper. Does God have a purpose for you and me?
Initially, David wanted to build the temple, but God told him that he had shed too much blood. The temple would be built during the peaceful reign of Solomon. But David took on the task of preparing things for Solomon. David not only collected gold, silver, brass, iron, timber, and stone (1 Chronicles 22:14), but he also prepared Solomon personally (28:9-21).
We must prepare our children as well. Like Manoah the father of Samson, we should pray for guidance, asking God, “What will be the child’s mission and responsibilities?” (Judges 13:12). We must help them discover their gifts and develop their abilities, work habits, and integrity.
But what if your child is going to be a carpenter, a nurse, a farmer, or a teacher? Do those roles matter? Thespians like to say, “there are no small parts, only small actors.” But is that true? Are there no small parts?
Does every role or every job have some merit? I mentioned that most of us will never see our name in the newspaper. But what if you saw your job in the Bible? Wouldn’t mention in the pages of scripture indicate worth and merit? If your job or one similar to it were named in God’s word, would that make you feel SEEN? As in seen by God, the Creator of the universe–the Creator of YOU?
Consider some of the jobs assigned in and around the temple and the palace:
Bakers (23:29), custodians (23:28), those who checked the weights and measures (23:29), managers of treasures (26:20), managers of endowments (26:26-28), musicians and singers (25:6-7), porters (professional movers) (26:12-18), priests (24:1), prophets (25:1), assistants for sacrifices (23:29-31), assistants for purification ceremonies (23:28), bailiffs, supervisors, and judges (23:4-5), public administrators (26:29-30), supervisors over the king’s treasures (27:25), over his farmers (27:26), over vineyards and wine cellars (27:27), over olive trees (27:28), supervisors over herds, flocks, camels, and donkeys (27:29-30), and various counsellors, scribes, and generals (27:32-34).
To summarize, First Chronicles fills five chapters with records of thousands of people covering every aspect of the work at both the temple and the king’s palace. Most of these workers are not listed by name, but by job. Their jobs—their vocations—matter. And what a broad range of vocations. And somehow even the most humble of these merits a mention in the word of God. Think about that: the Bible talks about custodians. Custodians matter and are included in God’s word.
God knows every one of these people. God designed them to fulfill his divine purpose—whether as porter or prophet. God likewise designed you and me to fulfill his purpose. He knows you. He knows the gifts, talents, skills, and interests he gave you. He designed you as a unique creation, and you will fulfill his purpose for your life simply by being yourself.
Seek him. Give God your life, your future, your goals and dreams. And let him lead you to the work he made you to do.
“David served God’s purpose in his generation” Acts 13:36.
God, help us to serve your purpose in our generation.
ΑΩ
P.S. For more, consider Romans 9:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
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