I am a Child of God
Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he could not move about freely because of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men who helped him in war. They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul's kinsmen. Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite; Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites (1 Chronicles 12:1-2,6).
When we read the stories of God’s severe judgment against the sinning Israelites, we might conclude He leaves no room for mercy. Look more closely and see that God’s justice is always wrapped in mercy. Seven generations after the judgment against Korah’s rebellion, the prophet Samuel is born through the line of Korah (1 Chronicles 6:31-38, 1 Samuel 1:1, 20).
Additionally, in TODAY’S TREASURE, we see David’s mighty men, including Korahites (2 Chronicles 12:6), and as trained warriors, they were involved in many military actions. But more important than knowing how to go to war, the sons of Korah were worship leaders during the time of David. David, himself a musician, put together a “music program” that included Heman the Korahite as a singer, as well as the Gershonite Asaph and Merarites Ethan and Judthanan. These people led the procession when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem:
These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord after the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order. These are the men who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, son of Samuel, son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel (1 Chronicles 6:31-38; 9).
The musical ability of the Korahites was not limited to singing in church. In the amazing story of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20), the Korahites led the Israelites in singing before going into battle. (2 Chronicles 20:19-22).
Perhaps even more important than leading worship and being mighty warriors, the Korahites were doorkeepers and custodians for the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:19-21; 1 Chronicles 12:1-6). They protected the King when He was in the sanctuary, collected and distributed the offerings, and inspected sacrifices to ensure only those ceremonially clean could come into the courtyard (2 Chronicles 23:3-7, 19; 2 Chronicles 31:14-19; 2 Chronicles 34:9-13; 2 Kings 22:3-7; Ezekiel 44:11).
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
We know God met the sons of Korah in their desperate need. Throughout the Psalms, attributed to them are portraits of their gratitude for God’s mercy and their passion for walking in obedience in response to His mercy. We’ve heard about the redeeming love of God in the lives of the Sons of Korah. Though there was great sin in their history, God chose them to serve in His Temple. As we have heard, they were highly respected and loved by the masses. Their story is all about God’s amazing grace. Perhaps you carry baggage of past sin or the sins of others. I hope this message encourages you to trust that God is not finished with you. When you know Jesus, you can be free of the stranglehold of past sins and the pull of generational sin. His grace is enough.
Oh, Jesus, so many live in the shadow of shame, carrying the burden and maybe even scars of a parent’s sin. Others carry their own shame for sinful choices. May we see your grace displayed to the sons of Korah is available to us as well. May we fully embrace your total and complete love for those who belong to You.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Tuesday, 14 June 2022.
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