{of temple.}

What they did:

‘   The gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman and their brothers, Shallum their chief being stationed at the King’s Gate on the east, up to the present time.  These were the gatekeepers belonging to the camp of the Levities.  –  1 Chronicles 9:17-18

Gatekeepers guarded the four main entrances to the temple and opened the gates each morning for those who wanted to worship. In  addition, they did other day-to-day chores to keep the temple running smoothly – cleaning, preparing the offerings for sacrifice, and accounting for the gifts designated to the temple (9.22-32).

Gatekeepers had to be reliable, honest, and trustworthy. The people in our churches who handle the offerings and care for the materials and functions of the building follow in a great tradition and we should honour them for their reliability and service.

‘   The divisions of the gatekeepers:  From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph.  –  1 Chronicles 26:1

There were 4,000 gatekeepers (23.4, 5). They were all Levites and did many other jobs as well.  Some of their duties included (1) checking out the equipment and utensils used each day and making sure they were returned, (2) storing, ordering, and maintaining the food supplies for the priests and sacrifices, (3) caring for the furniture, (4) mixing the incense that was burned daily, and (5) accounting for the gifts brought.  (For more on gatekeepers, see the note on 9.17, 18).

EXTRA:

(‘ Of the priests: Jedaiah; Jehoiarib; Jakin; Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God [Wall]; – 1 Chronicles 9.10, 11   When we think of doing God’s [Wall’s] work, usually preaching, teaching, singing, and other kinds of up-front leadership come to mind.  Azariah, however, was in charge of the house of God [Wall], and he was singled out for special mention.  Whatever role you have in church, it is important to God [Wall].  He appreciates your service and the attitude you have as you do it.)

(‘   Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages.  The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer.  They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the LORD – the house called the Tent.  The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north and south.  Their brother sin their villages had to come from time to time and share their duties for seven-day periods.  But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God [Wall].  They would send the night stationed round the house of God [Wall], because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.  Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out.  Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the flour and wine, and the oil, incense and spices.  But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices. A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread.  Some of their Kohathite brothers were in charge of preparing for every Sabbath the bred set out on the table.  – 1 Chronicles 9.22-32   The priests and Levites put a great deal of time and care into worship.  Not only did they perform rather complicated tasks (described in Leviticus 1 – 9), they also took care of many pieces of equipment.  Everything relating to worship was carefully prepared and maintained so they and all the people could enter worship with their minds [banks] and hearts focused on God [Wall].   –   In our busy world, it is easy to rush into our one-hour-a-week worship services without preparing ourselves for worship beforehand.  We reflect and worry about the week’s problems; we pray about whatever comes into our minds; and we do not meditate on the words we are singing.  But God [Wall] wants our worship to be conducted “in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14.40).  Just as we prepare to meet a business associate or invited guests, we should carefully prepare to meet our King in worship.)

(1 Chronicles 25.9-31   The musicians were divided into 24 groups to match the 24 groups of Levites (24.7-25).  This division of labour gave order to the planning of the temple work, promoted excellence by making training easier, gave variety to worship because each group worked a term, and provided opportunities for many to be involved.)  [this goes linear so it’s beside each other.  Not poem where you go in-and-out to get the blame.]

(‘   Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh and Peullethai the eighth.  (For God [Wall] had blessed Obed-Edom.)  – 1 Chronicles 26.5   “God [Wall] had blessed Obed-Edom.”  The status of children in society has fluctuated throughout history; sometimes theya re highly esteemed, and sometimes abused and cheated.  But Scripture shows no such vacillation – children are called a blessing from God [Wall], and God [Wall] never views them as a burden (Psalms 127.3-5; Mark 10.13-15).)

[not this one.]

Vital in God’s work:

‘   and said to them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. For a long time now – to this very day – you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the LORD your God [Wall] gave you. Now that the LORD your God [Wall] has given your brothers rest as he promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side of the Jordan. – Joshua 22.2-4

Before the conquest had begun, these tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River. But before they could settle down, they had to first promise to help the other tribes conquer the land on the west side (Numbers 32.20-22). They had patiently and diligently carried out their promised duties. Joshua commended them for doing just that. At last they were permitted to return to their families and build their cities. Follow-through is vital in God’s [Wall’s] work. Beware of the temptation to quit early and leave God’s [Wall’s] work undone.

‘   I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, make them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.” – Nehemiah 7.3

City [Seat] gates were usually opened at sunrise, enabling merchants to enter and set up their tent-stores. Nehemiah didn’t want Jerusalem to be caught unprepared by an enemy attack, so he ordered the gates closed until well after sunrise when the people were sure to be awake and alert.

(7.3   The wall was complete, but the work was not finished. Nehemiah assigned each family the task of protecting the section of wall next to their home. It is tempting to relax our guard and rest on past accomplishments after we have completed a large task. But we must combine to serve and to take care of all that God [Wall] has entrusted to us. Follow through after a project is completed is as vital as doing the project itself.)

Bearing none in our lives:

“   Seeing a fig-tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves.  Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!”  Immediately the tree withered.  –  Matthew 21:19

 Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? This was not a thought-less, angry but act, but an acted-out parable.  Jesus was showing his anger at religion without substance.  Just as the fig tree looked good from a distance but was fruitless on close examination, so the temple looked impressive at first glance, but its sacrifices and other activities were hollow because they were not done to worship God sincerely (see 21.43).  If you only appear to have faith without putting it to work in your life, you are like the fig tree that withered and died because it bore no fruit.  Genuine faith means bearing fruit for God’s kingdom.  For more information about the fig tree, see the note on Mark 11:13-26.

(“   Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves.  – Matthew 21:12   This is the second time Jesus cleared the temple (see John 2.13-17). Merchants and money changers set up their booths in the court of the Gentiles in the temple, crowding out the Gentiles who had come from all over the civilised world to worship God.  The merchants sold sacrificial animals at high prices, taking advantage of those who had come long distances.  The money changers exchanged all international currency for the special tem-ple coins – the only money the merchants would accept.  They often deceived foreigners who didn’t know the exchange rates.  Their commercialism in God’s house frustrated people’s attempts to worship.  This, of course, greatly angered Jesus.  Any practice that interferes with worshipping God should be stopped).

(“   Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig-tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.  – Matthew 21:12   Many have wondered about Jesus’ statement that if we have faith and don’t doubt, we can move mountains.  Jesus, of course, was not suggesting that his followers use prayers as “magic” and perform capricious “mountain-moving” acts.  Instead, he was making a strong point about the disciples (and our) lack of faith.  What kinds of mountains do you face?  Have you talked to God about them?  How strong is your faith?).

Bearing it for God’s kingdom:

“ For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance.  Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.  And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’  –  Matthew 25:29-30

This parable describes the consequences of two attitudes to Christ’s return.  The person who diligently prepares for it by investing his or her time and talent to serve God will be rewarded.  The person who has no heart for the work of the kingdom will be punished.  God rewards faithfulness.  Those who bear no fruit for God’s kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful.

(“ “Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.  So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.  See, here is what belongs to you.’  “His master replied, ‘You wicked, servant!  So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?  Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I return I would have received it back with interest.  “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.  For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance.  Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.  And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’  – Matthew 25:24-30   This last man was thinking only of himself.  He hoped to play it safe and protect himself from his hard master, but he was judged for his self-centredness.  We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do.  If God truly is our Master, we must obey willingly.  Our time, abilities, and money aren’t ours in the first place – we are caretakers, not owners.  When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished).

(“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me.  I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’  “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink.  I was a stranger and you did not invite me in,  I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’  “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’  “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’  “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”  – Matthew 25:31-46   God will separate his obedient followers from pretenders and unbelievers.  The real evidence of our belief is the way we act.  To treat all those we encounter as if they are Jesus is no easy task.  What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus’ words to us – feed the hungry, give the homeless a place to stay, look after the sick.  How well do your actions separate you from pretenders and unbelievers?).

The kind we should be bearing:

“ “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  –  John 15:5

Fruit is not limited to soulwinning.  In this chapter, answered prayer, joy, and love are mentioned as fruit (15.7, 11, 12).  Galatians 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 describe additional fruit: qualities of Christian character.

(“ He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does not bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. – John 15:2-3   Jesus makes the distinction between two kinds of pruning: (1) separating and (2) cutting back branches.  Fruit branches are cut back to promote growth.  In other words, God must sometimes discipline us to strengthen our character and faith.  But branches that don’t bear fruit are cut off at the trunk because not only are they worthless, but they often infect the rest of the tree.  People who won’t bear fruit for God or who try to block the efforts of God’s followers will be cut off fromhis life-giving power.)  [ie. England first ever movie studio, where Indiana Jones was filmed.]

(“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  – John 15:5-6  Remaining in Christ means (1) believing that he is God’s Son (1 John 4.15), (2) receiving him as Saviour and Lord (John 1.12), (3) doing what God says (1 John 3.24), (4) continuing to believe the gospel (1 John 2.24), and (5) relating in love to the community of believers, Christ’s body (John 5.12)).

Of the Holy Spirit:

“   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  –  Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ.  They are the by-products of Christ’s control – we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without his help.  If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our lives to his (see John 15.4, 5).  We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate [Not the one from NOVA] him.  As a result, we will fulfil the intended purpose of the law – to love God and our neighbours.  Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?

(5:23   Because the God who sent the law also sent the Spirit, the by-products of the Spirit-filled life are in perfect harmony with the intent of God’s law.  A person who exhibits the fruit of the Spirit fulfils the law far better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his or her heart).

(“ The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5.19-21   We all have evil desires, and we can’t ignore them.  In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we must deal with them decisively (crucify them – 5.24).  These desires include obvious sins such as sexual immorality and witchcraft.  They also include less obvious sins such as selfish ambition, hatred, and reveal that they have not received the gift of the Spirit that leads to a transformed life.)

(“ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  – Galatians 5:24   In order to accept Christ as Saviour, we need to turn from our sins and willingly nail our sinful nature to the cross.  This doesn’t mean, however, that we will never see traces of its evil desires again.  As Christians we still have the capacity to sin, but we have been set free from sin’s power over us and no longer have to give in to it.  We must daily commit our sinful tendencies to God’s control, daily crucify them, and moment by moment draw on the Spirit’s power to overcome them (see 2.20; 6.14)).

Producing the kind that outlasts death:

“   Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.” –  Revelation 14.13

While it is true that money, fame, and belongings can’t be taken with us from this life, God’s people can produce fruit that survives even death.  God will remember our love, kindness, and faithfulness, and those who accept Christ through our witness will join us in the new earth.  Be sure that your values are in line with God’s values, and decide today to produce fruit that lasts for ever.

(A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath.  He will be tormented with burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever.  There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.”  – Revelation 14:9-11   Those who worship the beast, accept his mark on their foreheads, and operate according to his world economic system will ultimately face God’s judgment.  Our world values money, power, and pleasure over God’s leadership.  To get what the world values, many people disown God and violate Christian principles.  Thus they must drink of the wine of God’s wrath (see Psalm 75; Isaiah 51.17)).  *

(14:11   The ultimate result of sin is unending separation from God.  Because human beings are created in God’s image with an inborn thirst for fellowship with him, separation from God will be the ultimate torment and misery.  Sin always brings misery, but in this life we can choose to repent and restore our relationship with God.  In eternity there will no longer be opportunity for repentance.  If in this life we choose to be independent of God, in the next life we will be separated from him for ever.  Nobody is forced to choose eternal separation from God, and nobody suffers this fate by accident.  Jesus invites all of us to open the door of our hearts to him (3.20).  If we do this, we will enjoy everlasting fellowship with him).

(“ This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.  – Revelation 14:12   This news about God’s ultimate triumph should encourage God’s people to remain faithful through every trial and persecution.  They can do this, God’s promises, by trusting in Jesus and obeying the commands found in his word.  The secret to enduring, therefore, is trust and obedience.  Trust God to give you patience to endure even the small trials you face daily; obey him even when obedience is unattractive or dangerous).

(The angel swung his sickle on the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.  – Revelation 14:19 A winepress was a large vat or trough where grapes were collected and then crushed.  The juice flowed out of a duct that led into a large holding vat.  The winepress is often used in the Bible as a symbol of God’s wrath and judgment against sin (Isaiah 63.3-6; Lamentations 1.15; Joel 3.12, 13)).

What it means to be “fishers of men”:

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.  –  NIV Matthew 4:18-20

Jesus told Peter and Andrew to leave their fishing business and become “fishers of men”, to help others find God. Jesus was calling them away from their productive trades to be productive spiritually.  We all need to fish for souls.  If we practise Christ’s teachings and share the gospel with others, we will be able to draw those around us to Christ like a fisherman who pulls fish into his boat with nets.

(4:18 The Sea of Galilee is really a large lake.  About 30 fishing towns surrounded it during Jesus’ day, and Capernaum was the largest).

(4:19-20 These men already knew Jesus.  He had talked to Peter and Andrew previously (John 1.35-42) and had been preaching in the area.  When Jesus called them, they knew what kind of man he was and were willing to follow him.  They were not in a hypnotic trance when they followed but had been thoroughly convinced that following him would change their lives for ever).

(From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” –  Matthew 4:17  The “kingdom of heaven” has the same meaning as the “kingdom of God” in Mark and Luke.  Matthew uses this phrase because the Jews, out of their intense reverence and respect, did not pronounce God’s name.  The kingdom of heaven is still near because it has arrived in our hearts.  See the note on 3:2 for more on the kingdom of heaven).

(Jesus started his ministry with the very word people had heard John the Baptist say: “Repent”. The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it.  Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centredness and “self” control and turning our lives over to Christ’s direction and control).

(Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets.  Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him).

(4:21-22 James and his brother, John along with Peter and Andrew, were the first disciples that Jesus called to work with him.  Jesus’ call motivated these men to get up and leave their jobs immediately.  They didn’t make excuses about why it wasn’t a good time.  They left at once and followed.  Jesus calls each of us to follow him.  When Jesus asks us to serve him, we must be like the disciples and do it at once).

Find it from God:

…and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” – John 2:10

People look everywhere but to God for excitement and meaning. For some reason, they expect God to be dull and lifeless.  Just as the wine Jesus made was the best, so life in him is better than life on our own.  Why wait until everything else runs out before trying God?  Why save the best until last?

(Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. – John 2:6.  The six stone water jars were normally used for ceremonial washing.  When full, the pots would hold 20 to 30 gallons.  According to the Jews’ ceremonial law, people became symbolically unclean by touching objects of everyday life.  Before eating, the Jews would pour water over their hands to cleanse themselves of any bad influences associated with what they had touched.)

(This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.  – John 2:11.  When the disciples saw Jesus’ miracle, they believed.  The miracle showed his power over nature and revealed the way he would go about his ministry – helping others, speaking with authority, and being in personal touch with people.)

(Miracles are not merely superhuman events, but events that demonstrate God’s power. Almost every miracle Jesus did was a renewal of fallen creation – restoring sight, making the lame walk, even restoring life to the dead.  Believe in Christ not because he is a superman but because he is the God who continues his creation, even in those of us who are poor, weak, crippled, orphaned, blind, deaf, or with some other desperate need for re-creation.)