A Shrewd Counselor

Daily Reading: 1 Chronicles 26

They cast lots also for his son Zechariah, a shrewd counselor and his lot came out for the north. (1 Chronicles 26.14)

Devotional Thought: King David assigned the gatekeepers to guard and guide the people.  One of them, Zechariah (not the same as the prophet Zechariah), was "a shrewd counselor."  This servant of God was...

• Shrewd.  Shrewdness can be a negative character trait.  When we use our insider information to the detriment and hurt of others, taking unfair advantage of their ignorance, then we are being shrewd in a negative sense.  But this Old Testament term means "to have prudence and insight, good sense and wisdom, knowledge and understanding."  When dealing with the public, as Zechariah did in his position, shrewdness was very helpful.  Zechariah was at his post to ensure the safety and sanctity of the temple.  He needed to be quick and decisive while at the same time being sensitive to the people he served.  I think about the TSA agents who sometimes forget wisdom and common sense...  Heavy-handedness in the work of God is not an attractive trait.

• A counselor.  Shrewdness in the work of God is not enough by itself.  We need to be willing to use the insight that we have.  There are those who don't know the way, who need direction and protection.  We must be willing to speak out to the lost and speak up for the oppressed.  Am I sharing my wisdom?

• At the north gate...  In the book of Ezekiel, we read about the north gate.  The glory of God was there, but also a profane image was there, grieving the glory of God.  Shrewd counselors are needed in this day of cultural confusion, in this day of animosity toward Christ and his Church.

You and I are charged as gatekeepers of the gospel.  May we be shrewd counselors, dispelling darkness and countering confusion.

Prayer: Lord, I know that I am a "gatekeeper" for the gospel, sharing the way to God.  Help me to be wise and gentle, outspoken and respectful, as I shine the light of your truth in this day of moral relativism.  Through Jesus Christ, who is the door of the sheep, I pray. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 46:8-11

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah