This chapter continues describing more appointed roles including gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials (kind of like governors or Members of Parliament).
“and Shebuel the son of Gershom, son of Moses, was chief officer in charge of the treasuries. His brothers: from Eliezer were his son Rehabiah, and his son Jeshaiah, and his son Joram, and his son Zichri, and his son Shelomoth. This Shelomoth and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries of the dedicated gifts that David the king and the heads of the fathers’ houses and the officers of the thousands and the hundreds and the commanders of the army had dedicated. From spoil won in battles they dedicated gifts for the maintenance of the house of the Lord” (v24-27)
Moses’ grandson Shebuel oversaw all of Israel’s treasuries, and his great nephew Shelomoth oversaw the spoils of war. These treasures that were dedicated to the Lord were used to maintain the house of the Lord, which was to help care for the entire nation.
Even though we don’t get literal ‘spoils of war’ in modern churches, the tithes and gifts are used in a similar way. The church’s resources should go toward upkeep of a building (if they have one), paying staff (such as a pastor), and for care of others (ministry, outreach and compassionate care).
God encourages us to care for the resources He entrusts to us – whether that’s money, time, energy, etc. We are to take charge of our personal resources, and any resources we oversee in a volunteer/professional capacity. We are called to use these resources wisely and in a way that honors God: “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Pro 3:9-10)
The resources we are entrusted with go toward the care of us and our families, though God’s heart is that we would also bless others with the excess: ” ‘In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ‘ ” (Ac 20:35) Paul reminds the Ephesian elders (and us) that it is God honoring to care for the weak and poor in addition to ourselves.
I encourage us (myself included) to review that which God has entrusted to us, and see if His Spirit is prompting us to change our current arrangement. I try to do this on paper at least once per year, and remain attentive to the Spirit’s promptings throughout the year. You may be surprised at just how much you have to offer for the use of God’s kingdom.
Father God, our Magnificent King, holy, holy, holy is Your name. Thank you for the wealth of resources with which You bless us – spiritually, physically, emotionally. Every resource you give us, whether that’s time, finances, energy, or something else is to be used for our care and the care of those around us. Please help us to use these resources wisely, in accordance with Your Spirit’s guidance. Please help us to bless others as You have blessed us, and please help us to glorify You with every breath and action. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training