1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another… The porters. This subject has been previously treated (see homily on 1 Chronicles 9:19), but another outline may be suggested. I. MAN'S ESTIMATE OF THE LOFTY AND THE LOWLY IN SERVICE. On what considerations does it rest? And what decisions does it involve? Indicate some of the mistakes men make, especially in undervaluing kinds of service that do not gain prominence. II. THE SUPERIOR PRACTICAL NECESSITY OF LOWLY SERVICES IN ACTUAL LIFE. Illustrate that for our physical and moral good we could much better dispense with the few great services than with the thousandfold lowly ones. On these the real sum of human happiness depends. And it may some day come to light that our Lord's blessed kingdom was more prospered and advanced by Christian faithfulness in little things, than by the great doings which won men's attention and praise. III. THE POSSIBILITY OF FINDING EXPRESSION FOR HIGH CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN ALL KINDS OF SERVICE - BOTH IN THE LOFTY AND IN THE LOWLY, Porter and priest may both show themselves, and utter their sanctified characters, in their several work. IV. THE SUPERIOR OPPORTUNITIES FOE EXPRESSING CHARACTER WHICH ARE FOUND IN THE LOWLY PLACES. Because a certain self-consciousness tends to spoil all public work. In the lowly spheres no "eye of man" attracts our attention. We work altogether "in the great Taskmaster's eye;" and so we can be altogether more simple and genuine. There is too much of self always tempting men who toil in what are called the higher kinds of service. In conclusion, show the Divine estimate of place and work, and how it stands in the second place, subordinate always to the Divine estimate of character. God, we may surely say, is chiefly concerned, not with what we did, but with how we did it. The welcome is given at last to character. To priest and porter God will only say at last, "Well done, good and faithful." - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD. |
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