In the King's Service

“These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.” (1Chronicles 4:23)

This is the last verse about the descendants of Judah in Chronicles.  They were craftmen in the time of the king which could have been any of the kings after Solomon when the kingdom was divided.  They lived with the king in his employment but not servile. The Good News Bible specifies in the towns of Netaim and Gederah which meant the plantations in the area which was called and now is the Shephelah or the heart of Israel which is mostly farmland in the lowlands along the coast or foothills in the hill country. It’s presumed these were royal establishments for the craftsmen of different craft skills. They were kept and cared for by the king.

We are in the King’s employment, or we should be involved in Kingdom work. Just like the natural king had his soldiers and craftsmen in the days of the kings, the King of Kings has different anointings for each one of us to work in the kingdom. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:3-8) We are each given a gift or gifts.  This gift operates by the grace of God for His kingdom. We are not limited to these gifts mentioned in Romans 12. There are anointings for other gifts mentioned in I Corinthians 12:4-31. And there are also the five-fold ministry gifts given to the church mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. These gifts work together in the kingdom of God to serve and edify each other, to enlarge the kingdom and to glorify the Lord. Some of these gifts may be considered gifts of honor because they are up front on display and demand respect.  Other gifts are just as anointed and necessary but are not displayed.  Most of the church doesn’t even give a thought to the brethren that work to keep the church clean or organized. This is an anointing also and should not be a job which in most churches it is today.

We should be about the King’s work.  Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Everyday there’s opportunity to desire and endeavor to do what is righteous, to obey God’s Word and to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. What is our first priority every day? How can we know if we don’t consult with the King of kings?  We’re in the King’s service.  Shouldn’t we ask Him about what we’re going to go about that day? Shouldn’t we ask for the tools needed for our tasks, whatever they may be?  Will it be patience with an unruly person?  Will it be to an anointing to pray for some need expressed or not by another? Will we need to fast to intercede against the forces of evil coming upon a place or person. Will it be to speak a word of encouragement? Will it be to share the Gospel with a neighbor, friend, loved one or stranger. Only the King knows our task for that day. We don’t know what the King will require until He reveals it to us. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1Peter 4:10)

Many of us have worldly tasks that need to be completed, but these are not our mission.  We get so involved with our jobs or tasks at home, we forget that our true mission and work is for the kingdom.  This doesn’t mean we abandon our home work or job to go pray for people, to visit the sick and needy or to go spread the Gospel.  It means that we seek to be prepared to do kingdom work when the King calls on us to do so. Many are going willy-nilly, abandoning their work at home or leaving their jobs failing to provide for their families because they want to be about kingdom work, but have not consulted the king. So, they are busy about what God does not want them to do. When the pastor of the church calls for volunteers, they fail to show up because they have their own agenda. They have disregarded the Scriptures that we belong to a church and do kingdom work with the church.

Peter wrote about how we are living stones. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.” (1Peter 2:5-6) When we worship as a church together in unity we form a spiritual altar of worship to the Lord.  As living stones, we also build up the kingdom. Each of us, a living stone, are a part of the kingdom of God.  We each have a gift to operate in this kingdom.  If you are not participating in any family group of believers, a church, you might not be using the gift or gifts God has given you to build the kingdom.  If you are in a church and have not found your gift or are not able to use your gift anymore for some reason, maybe your new gift is to spend your time praying for the brethren, for the church, the pastor, your community or country.  We all need to be about the King’s work.  After all, you are cared by Him.  He provides everything we need here on earth and for eternity.