1 Chronicles 24:3–4: “Then David with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to the schedule of their service. There were more leaders found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar, and thus they were divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen heads of their fathers’ houses, and eight heads of their fathers’ houses among the sons of Ithamar.”

September 12th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The priestly duties were divided into 24 divisions: 16 for Eleazar and 8 for Ithamar. Each served for a week, twice a year. In the New Testament Gospel of Luke, almost 1000 years later, we find that the Levite priest Zacharias was serving in the temple according to the divisions David had set up here in this chapter. Many believe that the heads of these 24 divisions were the chief priests so often spoken of in the New Testament. Obviously David was hearing correctly from the Lord since 1000 years later God was still blessing the system he initiated. The concept that our actions, the work of our hands, can have an impact for years to come is often forgotten in our modern world of fast food and 3-minute car washes. What might God want us to do today that will leave a godly, lasting impact on others?

Many years ago, Christian professor Stuart Blackie of the University of Edinburgh was listening to his students as they presented oral readings. When one young man rose to begin his recitation, he held his book in the wrong hand. The professor thundered, “Take your book in your right hand, and be seated!” At this harsh rebuke, the student held up his right arm. He didn’t have a right hand! The other students shifted uneasily in their chairs. For a moment the professor hesitated. Then he made his way to the student, put his arm around him, and with tears streaming from his eyes, said, “I never knew about it. Please, will you forgive me?” His humble apology made a lasting impact on that young man. The story was told some time later in a large gathering of believers. At the close of the meeting a man came forward, turned to the crowd, and raised his right arm. It ended at the wrist. He said, “I was that student. Professor Blackie led me to Christ. But he never could have done it if he had not made the wrong, right.” Sometimes simple humility and admitting to someone that you are wrong may provide an opportunity to lead them to salvation.

“LORD, lead us today into an opportunity where we can leave a lasting impact on someone else for eternity.”