The Higher Value of God’s Presence

1 Chronicles 23:2–6 (ESV) David assembled all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. 3 The Levites, thirty years old and upward, were numbered, and the total was 38,000 men. 4 “Twenty-four thousand of these,” David said, “shall have charge of the work in the house of the Lord, 6,000 shall be officers and judges, 5 4,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 shall offer praises to the Lord with the instruments that I have made for praise.” 6 And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 

This passage comes right after David makes Solomon King in Israel. 

1 Chronicles 23:1 (ESV) When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.  

It’s incredible to think that upon the transfer of power for Israel David does not first take up the task of establishing a strong military. He has learned that hard lesson by God’s judgment at the time of the census. Nor does David seek to build storehouses of gold and silver. No the first thing David does is establish order in the Temple so that Israel might experience the presence of God through the mitigation of sacrifices AND that the people might rejoice before Him in worship. 

The chapter ends with this summation:

1 Chronicles 23:32 (ESV) Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the Lord. 

This moment is a rebuke to the over-achievement centered parent that seeks only to make their child or their family successful in worldly matters at the expense of their spiritual development. 

Do not get me wrong. I want your kids successful as I do mine. There’s nothing inherently wrong or sinful about success. But when our focus is singularly aimed at worldly success such as higher incomes, notable positions or career paths and we ignore the deep matters of faith and spirituality, we make a horrible mistake. 

David knew the presence of God was the source of Israel’s strength. David knew without the Lord, Israel could do nothing and would be fodder for their enemies. David knew and passed on for us an example of Godly parenting. 

Now we know the results. Solomon becomes the most successful king in the Bible. Some might say that success was a problem for him. But the fact remains, his success happened because God was present. Remember, it will be Solomon’s worship to the Lord that inspires the “blank check” moment wherein God promises to give him whatever he asks. He asks for wisdom to lead God’s people instead of fame, the death of his enemies or fortune. Where did he get the idea? I believe it was because his father established the HOUSE of God and the order in that house so that Solomon would have a connection with the Lord. 

We so easily get caught up in the “success” orientation of our day. We think money and status will be some badge of honor for our children. But what is the whole world if they lose their soul. 

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