Morning, June 3
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
1 Chronicles 4:23
"These were potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges:
there they dwelt with the king for his work."
1 Chronicles 4:23
Potters were not the very highest grade of workers, but "the king"
needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the
material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be
engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great
privilege to do anything for "the king"; and therefore we will abide in
our calling, hoping that, "although we have lien among the pots, yet
shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her
feathers with yellow gold." The text tells us of those who dwelt among
plants and hedges, having rough, rustic, hedging and ditching work to
do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society,
and refinement, but they kept their appointed places, for they also
were doing the king's work. The place of our habitation is fixed, and
we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice, but seek to serve
the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside.
These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt "with the
king" and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king
there. No lawful place, or gracious occupation, however mean, can debar
us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming
lodging-houses, workhouses, or jails, we may go with the king. In all
works of faith we may count upon Jesus' fellowship. It is when we are
in his work that we may reckon upon his smile. Ye unknown workers who
are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest
of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have been found upon dunghills
ere now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill
weeds have been transformed into precious flowers. Dwell ye with the
King for his work, and when he writes his chronicles your name shall be
recorded.