1 Chronicles 26 Commentary
The Gatekeepers were an important component of the Sanctuary system. Security was required for the physical objects of worship. It wasn’t meant to protect the LORD from burglary. Such a god would not fit the description of the El-Shaddai God of Abraham. The immortal God doesn’t have a need for protection from mortals.
Yes, for the physical objects of worship, security is needed. Check the following from https://www.sharefaith.com/blog/2015/09/18-church-embezzlement/
An unbelievable 30 percent of all (church) workers will steal. The average church loss due to fraud is $120,000. An estimated 80% of church fraud cases don’t get reported. Church thieves are creative!
Church leaders don’t believe that someone in their midst could steal from them. Church theft is often from one of the most trusted people of the church. In the first half of 2014, Christians stole more than $39 billion in church-related financial fraud. During the same time period, churches spent $35 billion on worldwide mission work. Researchers are expecting church financial fraud to reach $60 billion by 2025!
We are talking about fraud. In some churches, in excess of 80% of God’s resources are misapplied!
Churches are targeted for fraud because of the very nature of the church. Church thieves gain access to church funds through the nature of their position. An estimated 60 percent of churches don’t have a process in place to report suspected financial crimes. Church thieves are only as successful as the financial controls over church resources
One-third of all congregations will fall victim to fraud. Most frauds go on for 18 months before getting caught. The average tenure of a church thief is 8 years. 40% of frauds are caught through a tip. The number one deterrent of fraud is the fear of getting caught! Not the fear of God!
Shemaiah’s sons are described as being very capable men. This speaks to us on the need to up our game as we execute the work of the LORD. Trustworthiness, Diligence, timekeeping, commitment, and an ever-present sense of duty, does my effort in the vineyard fit this description?
There was no room for complacency at the Sanctuary!
This chapter is about security; it’s about protecting the physical objects of worship, be it finances or other treasures dedicated to the LORD and placed under the care of God’s people.
It should be detailed. One small detail often missed is the fact that entire families were involved. The family, as an institution, took care of security. Engage entire families in God’s work, not just individuals.
However, the saint may be drawn to the thought of offering the LORD even more important treasures that cannot be stolen. A heart wholly given to the LORD in trust and obedience presents a gift that cannot be stolen. It cannot be bombed. It cannot be gassed. It cannot be killed. It cannot be looted. The Spirit Himself shields it from corruption!
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