8:1-40
- How sad it is to find the name of Baal, the god worshipped by the
Canaanites, appearing in this list of those who professed to be the
people of God! The name ‘Esh-Baal’ (33) means ‘man of Baal’ or ‘man of
shame’. It is a ‘shameful thing’ that those who are called to be the
people of God should lose sight of their high calling and become
servants of Baal. The name ‘Merib-Baal’ (34) highlights the sadness of
those who lose their way in life. Originally meaning ‘opponent of Baal’,
this name came to mean ‘loved by Baal’ or ‘my lord is Baal’. God’s Word
warns us against the danger of becoming a ‘double-minded man’ (James
1:8). Trying to live with one eye on the Lord and the other eye on the
world is a sure recipe for disaster. Satan will be quick to welcome
us if we take our eyes off Jesus. ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus’
(Hebrews 12:2).
9:1-44 - In verse 13, we read of ‘very able men for the work of the service of the house of God’. Some have been called by God to preach His Gospel and teach His Word. All of us have been called to serve the Lord. It may not be preaching and teaching. It will be something you can do for Him. In this chapter, we read of some who were ‘chosen to be gatekeepers’, some who were ‘assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary…’, some who were ‘entrusted with the responsibility for baking…’ and others who were ‘singers’ or ‘musicians’ (22,29,31,33). There’s something for everybody: ‘There`s a work for Jesus ready at your hand, `Tis a task the Master just for you has planned. Haste to do His bidding, yield Him service true; There`s a work for Jesus none but you can do’ (Redemption Hymnal, 570)
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