May 3

1 Chronicles 13-16
Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it. (1 Chronicles 15:22) Did you catch that? Kenaniah was placed in charge of the singing because he was good at it. Why do you suppose it was important that he be skillful in singing? After all, doesn't our singing go through some sort of spiritual filter, so that, by the time it reaches God it's all beautiful? I have heard that said numerous times throughout my Christian life to justify the use of unskillful people in the public service to our Lord. So, is it an issue of importance whether or not the people who lead our congregations be skillful? There are far too many places throughout scripture where God appoints certain people for positions of specialization to discount it. In fact, earlier in today's reading a man loses his life because he was performing a duty for which he had not been intended. While it is true that God looks upon the heart and is pleased when His children praise Him, regardless of ability or skill, it is equally true that He desires to have His best in the fore. We are seeking to present the heavenly bride to the world, adorned in beauty and majesty! When we put skillful people in positions of leadership our corporate worship becomes a thing of beauty, an offering of praise to God that is not only an honor to Him, but a witness to the world. All should sing and make melody to God. All are to be proclaiming the Good News. However, all are not to be leading congregations in praise or preaching. Those who take these positions are to be skilled in those areas. These are only two of areas where people are specifically called to serve, and they are not any more important than the myriad of other positions that others are called to.