ORDER AND ADMINISTRATION. 1st Chronicles 27 For the Jews who returned from Babylon to rebuild a properly functioning nation—more specifically, a nation aware of their spiritual heritage as the people of God—guidelines were needed. For the most part, the chronicler highlighted the positive aspects of the nation's history to provide understanding for the present need. We can learn from mistakes, but we waste effort and time dwelling on the past errors we have made and can do nothing about. Successful succession occurs when we act on principles that have been tried and proven and are now applied to the present.
Because of the establishment of spiritual life and order in the temple, lists of suitable people from the past, such as when David was the king, were given to define areas of responsibility in temple worship and identify those qualified to meet that need. In this chapter, military and tribal leaders, financial and agricultural business people, and counselors are identified so that society's order and administration might function smoothly.
In the house of God, the order needed for effective worship and service depends on the quality of leadership among us. Some possess natural leadership qualities but exhibit little spiritual discernment. If we were to hold elections and choose our leaders, it would reduce an assembly to no more value than a business. The spiritual life and purpose of a New Testament church cannot function well in that manner. That is why the Holy Spirit is the One who raises divinely appointed leadership.
Israel's safety was supported by a "National Guard" of 288,000 men. Each month, 24,000 men were called to national service to be armed and ready to defend the nation from internal disorder or external attacks. In the event of a national emergency, they could be summoned. Because of their military service for a month each year, they were trained and prepared to defend the people. The leaders were of particular importance in this military organization.
Those leaders were David's "mighty men" and others who had proven trustworthy in their "service for the king." They were loyal men whose allegiance to David was unquestioned and who could take initiative when needed. Jashobeam defeated three hundred men by himself. Dodo defended a field of barley against a band of marauders. Benaiah slew two lion-like men of Moab, killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and an eight-foot-tall Egyptian. The list of mighty warriors includes the names of those who led the various corps of the standing army.
Among God's people today, the Holy Spirit raises up those to lead who have been tried and proven to be reliable and trustworthy under challenging circumstances. They are loyal to the Lord and His people and take the initiative to further the work of the Lord. Their example is worth following and is often seen when their sons follow their fathers' walk of faith. They are qualified to lead the saints of God by their character and experience. Such men are not novices who have the answers but do not know the problem. Any changes they would initiate have been well thought out regarding why and how things could be improved and, more importantly, the long-term results.
To maintain order in all areas of assembly life, we need to ensure that those raised to lead have received the necessary training and appropriate opportunities to contribute significantly to the work of God. Mature believers need to mentor younger people so that when the time comes, or the need arises, there are qualified individuals whom the Holy Spirit can raise up and use to guide God's people. God sees His people as "stars" in number. We can probably see one million stars with our naked eyes when we look up at night. God knows each of them by name; how much more each of us?
Their character and experience qualified those in charge of the safety of the nation of Israel. Those leaders of the tribes were qualified by their connections to the heritage of Israel's sons. They were family members who had the same interests and attitudes toward those with whom they had a shared heritage. Those under twenty years old in Israel weren't conscripted or obligated to leadership, but they were not ignored as if they had no responsibility or purpose.
A person who comes among God's people from some other group or religious persuasion needs to be proven by the passing of time and practice to represent what the assembly holds to be true and practices in public testimony. When one says, "We didn't do it that way where I came from," or "Everybody else does it differently," or "You are really old-fashioned," you know there is someone among you from a different heritage. That doesn't mean they can't be part of the assembly, but they cannot be one who leads the Lord's people. Confusion and division arise when one tries to impose practices that have not been tried and proven locally. The autonomy of an assembly suits the locality in which it is found. Assemblies are not franchises designated and controlled by a central authority except that of our Risen Lord, presided over by the Holy Spirit.
True, there is an unmistakable likeness in scripturally gathered assemblies of God's people, but there are also differences. A rural population thinks and acts differently from those who live in a big city. Different languages and nationalities carry out public testimony in ways that suit them and the places where they live. There are many different stars in the heavens, but they are all stars and are kept in order and position by divine control.
Our humanity limits us regarding who we are, where we are, and what we are like. The only way to maintain order and administration in an assembly is to see the people through God's eyes as much as possible. This can only be accomplished through reading the scripture and applying its teachings to the current events in this particular location.
David had many people for whom he was responsible, not only as their leader but also as their provider. Those who served in his army could meet their own needs during the eleven months of the year they spent at home tilling their own land and providing for their families. However, some served the king continuously. To provide for them, the king had stewards who managed his government's financial and agricultural affairs. Those selected were given specific areas of responsibility. Warehousing and finance required individuals who could be trusted to keep accurate records of everything to prevent pilfering and theft.
Skill in one area of life does not mean that a person can do everything. Those who managed the laborers understood what needed to be done and how to do it. Those who grew grain in the fields had a different proficiency in agriculture compared to those who cultivated grapes in the vineyard. A person who knows how to tend vines is not necessarily skilled in knowing how and when to trim the trees of an orchard to best produce fruit and/or olives. Someone who can effectively breed and feed cattle is not likely to be able to train touchy camels or stubborn donkeys. There is even a difference in how and where to feed sheep and goats.
David had one person who knew the law, one who understood the people, one who recognized their capabilities, and one who grasped the spiritual condition of the people, along with likely other insights. David understood that the king of Israel was not to have horses, lest they depend on them for victory and rush into situations without being qualified or prepared. David had an uncle named Jonathan whose counsel could be trusted, and he was willing and able to put what was said in writing.
Trustees over assembly property and finances should be individuals who can be relied upon to handle the affairs of God and others with the same care they would give their own business. God knows who we are and where we can best serve Him. It may take some time to find the niche we are meant to fill, but the training process is very important and not time wasted. In our anxiety to get on with life and be productive, we naturally tend to rush forward before we are ready. Each person needs to be prepared—and patient—until the opportunity arises to use our stewardship in the right place for the right reasons.
Not every person who offers advice possesses insight. Advice is always needed, but the source is important. Insight is gained through experience or as a particular gift from God. Insight is not an "off the cuff" comment; it has been thought out carefully and adapted to each situation in a way that suits the event. A variety of viewpoints is always useful to gain the best perspective before taking action. To obtain wise counsel, we need to consult those most knowledgeable in various fields of expertise.
Not everyone knows everything about any subject. Usually, people know a little about many things. This is why there is safety in a multitude of counselors. The Lord Jesus Christ bestowed gifts, which were essentially individuals capable of effective communication. The Holy Spirit granted gifts that enable what is required in an assembly when aligned with a single objective: to bring glory to God and benefit to His people. God provided gifts to be utilized in faith, even without knowing the final outcome.
When order is maintained with grace and truth and the ministry of service in the ongoing affairs of God's people is consistent, impartial, fair, and effective, there will be peace and strength. Qualified leaders who exercise their hearts and daily fellowship with the Lord help us uphold healthy assembly fellowship. In this way, the assembly can, in turn, be a blessing to others.
In the service of King David, each person had a designated task suited to their skills. Some were skilled with animals; others joined the military when their time came. Still, others tended the fruit orchards, vineyards, grainfields, and various livestock. There was a primary counselor, wise men, and scribes, but one man was closer than the rest. Wherever the king went, this man was by his side: his companion was always at his beck and call.
Sometimes, we have special friends, companions, or a person we trust and in whom we can confide. My wife is such a person; she can correct me if she must and point out the things my ego tries to hide. We have traveled the land together; we share in work and walk. Though we are together, each one has a unique work to do. Some folks turn to me, and others want to talk with her. Our differences make a larger perspective possible that suits gender and occupation.
I wonder if I could be trusted to be a companion of the heavenly King. If I were living when He was here, would I be one He chose? I am not sure if I would be an asset or what I could bring as a benefit as a companion if I were one of those who followed Him closely. I sure would have wanted to be, but I’m not living back then; it is now that I journey through life with Him. Where I am, with many others, He is there too. An unseen King’s companions are conscious of God’s presence with them. They live consciously of the King who knows all they say and do.
People who know me should be able to sense another presence in my life, someone who motivates me to live a righteous life. My talk and deportment should bring honor to His name. I can never be like Him in my person or my essence, because the Lord Jesus is both God and man, but I can do the same when it comes to showing love. I can show others mercy, and my speech can be with grace. I can befriend sinners and show compassion like He did. I can be a companion to Him if I live and walk by faith. He should be able to be seen through me and the conduct of my life, my words, and my attitude, although His visible presence is hidden.