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**Prayer Group Updates!** 
Let's lift up 
Tang Wei Ping
Prayer Warrior
1 Chronicles 26:14 ：
And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counseller, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
Historical Context：
In ancient Israel, the temple in Jerusalem was the center of worship and religious life, and protecting its gates was a crucial responsibility. The gatekeepers, drawn from the tribe of Levi, were tasked with maintaining order and ensuring that the sanctity of the temple was preserved. The East Gate, in particular, was significant because it was one of the main entrances, symbolically facing the rising sun, and had special importance in temple rituals.
Casting lots was used to assign duties impartially, ensuring fairness and avoiding human favoritism. The inclusion of both Shelemiah and his son Zechariah in the gatekeeping responsibilities highlights how families worked together in temple service, and the mention of Zechariah’s wisdom emphasizes that his role was suited to his discernment and abilities.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God：
This verse reflects God’s love in the way He carefully directs His people’s roles and responsibilities. The casting of lots wasn’t a random or impersonal process—it was a means of ensuring that God’s will was done. This shows that God cares deeply about each person’s role and place in His kingdom, and He lovingly guides them in the work they are called to do.
Additionally, the fact that wisdom is highlighted in this verse shows God’s desire for His people to be equipped with the qualities they need to serve Him well. God’s love is seen in the way He provides wisdom and guidance to those who seek Him, ensuring that they are able to fulfill their responsibilities faithfully.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ：
Jesus often spoke of wisdom and discernment in His teachings. He emphasized the importance of being wise and faithful servants (Matthew 25:14-30) and demonstrated perfect wisdom in His ministry. Zechariah’s role as a wise counselor in the temple points us to Christ, who is the ultimate source of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Jesus shows us what it means to serve God with both wisdom and humility, relying on God’s direction in all things.
Furthermore, just as the gatekeepers trusted in God’s guidance through the casting of lots, Jesus perfectly submitted to God’s will throughout His life and ministry, culminating in His prayer in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus’ trust in the Father’s plan sets the ultimate example for believers to follow in their own lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
How does this verse challenge you to seek God’s guidance in the roles and responsibilities you are called to?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more, knowing that He guides even the smallest details?
What does it mean to you that Zechariah was chosen as a gatekeeper because of his wisdom? How can you seek to grow in wisdom as you serve God?
How do you see God’s love reflected in the way He directs and equips His people for their work?
How does Jesus’ example of submitting to God’s will inspire you to trust Him in your own life, even when the path ahead is uncertain?
Prayer for 1 Chronicles 29:11 ：
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.
” Praying through 1 Chronicles 29:11: Heavenly Father, we worship and praise You, for the greatness, power, splendour, glory, and majesty are Yours alone. May You be greatly honoured, for You are Head over all things and Judge of all men. Thank You for all You have done to redeem our life, and for bringing us into Your everlasting kingdom. May we never become too familiar with Who it was that hung on the cross for love of us. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counseller, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
Historical Context：
In ancient Israel, the temple in Jerusalem was the center of worship and religious life, and protecting its gates was a crucial responsibility. The gatekeepers, drawn from the tribe of Levi, were tasked with maintaining order and ensuring that the sanctity of the temple was preserved. The East Gate, in particular, was significant because it was one of the main entrances, symbolically facing the rising sun, and had special importance in temple rituals.
Casting lots was used to assign duties impartially, ensuring fairness and avoiding human favoritism. The inclusion of both Shelemiah and his son Zechariah in the gatekeeping responsibilities highlights how families worked together in temple service, and the mention of Zechariah’s wisdom emphasizes that his role was suited to his discernment and abilities.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God：
This verse reflects God’s love in the way He carefully directs His people’s roles and responsibilities. The casting of lots wasn’t a random or impersonal process—it was a means of ensuring that God’s will was done. This shows that God cares deeply about each person’s role and place in His kingdom, and He lovingly guides them in the work they are called to do.
Additionally, the fact that wisdom is highlighted in this verse shows God’s desire for His people to be equipped with the qualities they need to serve Him well. God’s love is seen in the way He provides wisdom and guidance to those who seek Him, ensuring that they are able to fulfill their responsibilities faithfully.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ：
Jesus often spoke of wisdom and discernment in His teachings. He emphasized the importance of being wise and faithful servants (Matthew 25:14-30) and demonstrated perfect wisdom in His ministry. Zechariah’s role as a wise counselor in the temple points us to Christ, who is the ultimate source of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Jesus shows us what it means to serve God with both wisdom and humility, relying on God’s direction in all things.
Furthermore, just as the gatekeepers trusted in God’s guidance through the casting of lots, Jesus perfectly submitted to God’s will throughout His life and ministry, culminating in His prayer in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus’ trust in the Father’s plan sets the ultimate example for believers to follow in their own lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
How does this verse challenge you to seek God’s guidance in the roles and responsibilities you are called to?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more, knowing that He guides even the smallest details?
What does it mean to you that Zechariah was chosen as a gatekeeper because of his wisdom? How can you seek to grow in wisdom as you serve God?
How do you see God’s love reflected in the way He directs and equips His people for their work?
How does Jesus’ example of submitting to God’s will inspire you to trust Him in your own life, even when the path ahead is uncertain?
Prayer for 1 Chronicles 29:11 ：
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.
” Praying through 1 Chronicles 29:11: Heavenly Father, we worship and praise You, for the greatness, power, splendour, glory, and majesty are Yours alone. May You be greatly honoured, for You are Head over all things and Judge of all men. Thank You for all You have done to redeem our life, and for bringing us into Your everlasting kingdom. May we never become too familiar with Who it was that hung on the cross for love of us. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
