Morning By Morning #155

These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

1 Chronicles 4:23 KJV

From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:

Potters weren’t considered the highest class of workers, and the material they used was nothing but clay. The king needed them, however, so they were employed in royal work. We as well may be engaged in the most menial tasks for the Lord, but it is still a great privilege to do anything for the King. Thus, we will continue in our calling, with the hope that “Even while [we] sleep among the campfires, the wings of [our] dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold” (Ps. 68:13).

Our text verse tells us of “those that dwelt among plants and hedges”—those living and working in rough and difficult conditions. Perhaps they desired to live in the city among the workings of society and places of refinement, but they stayed in the appointed places, for they were doing the king’s work.

In the same way, the place of our calling is fixed and we are not to leave it due to some fleeting whim or mood. Instead, we are to serve the Lord where we are by being a blessing to those around us. These potters and gardeners had royal company, for “they dwelt with the king,” and although they had to live “among plants and hedges,” it was there “they dwelt with the king.”

There is no place or occupation, however menial, that can prohibit us from communing with our divine Lord—as long as that place or occupation is of Him. Even when visiting the poor in their roach-infested shacks, factories, or jails, we can go with the King. In all our works of faith we can count on fellowship with Jesus, and it is when we are at His work we will encounter His smile.

You unknown servants who work for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the lowest class, be of good cheer! Jewels have been found in the dunghills of life, ordinary clay pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ugly weeds have been transformed into beautiful flowers.

Continue to dwell with the King, doing His work, and when He writes His final chronicles your name will be recorded there.

From the pen of Jim Reimann:

It may sound trite to say, “Bloom where you’re planted,” but there is profound truth in this simple statement. Paul addressed this very issue by saying, “Each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches” (1 Cor. 7:17).

We need to come to the realization our Lord has many different roles and gifts He bestows on His people. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Rom. 12:6). Not only is it important for each of us to exercise what our gift entails, it is important we exercise it precisely where God would have us do so. And we need each other to be faithful to this so that we as God’s church do not become unbalanced. We depend on each other.

Help me, Lord, to use my gifts for Your glory—where You have placed me. May I be grateful for my gifts and never complain about what You have called me to do and where You have determined I should serve You.