David begins organizing Israel’s worship as he prepares for the building of the temple. While Solomon, David’s son, builds the structure, David oversees much of the preparation, including a change to the duties of the Levites. In this morning’s reading, 1 Chronicles 23:25–26 stood out, especially the idea of rest.
For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof. (1 Chronicles 23:25–26, KJV)
The place of worship, with its structure and furnishings, was mobile for hundreds of years. There was no sense of permanence, no sense of rest. The coming temple would change that. Those Levites who served to move the Tabernacle would no longer need to do that. This was a big change for Israel, and David would help them get ready for it.
This reminded me of a big change coming for us as Christians. The earthly Jerusalem in our reading foreshadows the heavenly Jerusalem to come. Our lives on this earth as God’s children are pictured as a pilgrimage, meaning we are not at home right now. Hebrews 11:13 describes those who lived by faith as pilgrims, exiles, or nomads. In 1 Peter 2:11, the Apostle Peter refers to Christians as sojourners and exiles. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven, not here. In many more places in the New Testament, Christians are referred to and considered temporary residents. Therefore, having no permanent dwelling here, we have no rest, for we are looking for something far better.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16, KJV)
John the Apostle, who was exiled to the island of Patmos, saw this city in the future, which he writes about in Revelation 21.
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:2–4, ESV)
Yes, there is an eternal rest that awaits the believer! This present state of turmoil, the feeling of not entirely belonging in this world, the battle we wage each day with the flesh and the devil, the trouble and sorrow caused by sin—it shall all pass away. While certainly, as believers, we are blessed and rejoice, this present experience is nothing to be compared to what is coming!
Child of God, there is something far better reserved for us! Don’t grow weary in well doing! Don’t lose sight of the future, which is clearly seen by faith! Let us continue to work, for the night is coming. Let us be found faithful. Our rest is yet to come!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 1 Chronicles 23-25.