1 Chronicles 27

The Lord brought forward men who were willing to serve King David in the battles that Israel faced. There were chosen men at the head of each division serving month by month according to the king's direction.

There were other leading men who served as tribal leaders. It was in the unauthorized counting of these tribes in the days of David that so much trouble came upon Israel. But, as the Chronicler had earlier recorded, it was through this sin of David that the location of the future temple was revealed to Israel.

There were other appointed men throughout the land that served the king. They were managers over David's property and his interests. David also had counselors and friends that played a prominent role in the affairs of God's people.

All of these great men of responsibility were necessary for the functioning of the nation of Israel in her prime. The Chronicler's great hope was to see this kingdom reestablished, though attaining the blessings of the days of David and Solomon must have seemed almost impossible to the returning exiles.

Immediately before Jesus ascended into heaven His disciples seemed to have a similar concern to bring back the glory days of the past. They asked Him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He first dismissed their inquiry regarding timing saying, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.” But then He went on to correct their misunderstanding of the the geographic extent of the kingdom. Their vision of the kingdom was too small. He said to them, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The kingdom of Jesus is being established throughout the earth through the proclamation of the gospel. But one day our King will come in judgment. He will establish the fullness of His reign throughout the great extent of the new heavens and earth. Many who have proven to be faithful in even small responsibilities during their brief days of mortality will serve Him in much greater ways when He has fully established His kingdom. Whether now or in that future Day of the Lord, we serve at the pleasure of the King. Our lives are not our own. We have been bought with a price.