1 Chronicles 4:23 These were the potters, and those that dwelled among plants and hedges: there they dwelled with the king for his work. It is a matter of very common occurrence in this world, in forming our estimates of men and things, to ignore altogether the real and constant contributors to success, and to look only at him or them who represent the success. The commander of an ocean steamer is the person whose name is printed, who meets the public eye, and possesses the public confidence; the men who sweat and pant down deep in the ship before the hot and roaring fires, the men who climb the icy rigging, who with stiffening limbs battle with the frozen sails, and watch hour after hour amid cold and darkness for danger, are never thought of. We see the victorious leader of armies surrounded in the hour of triumph by a brilliant staff, while multitudes shout and cheer. How few ever think at such a time of the thousands of silent graves where men lie who paid the costly price of life for this hour of their leader's triumph! Because the world judges usually in this way the strong contrast of the text strikes us. The royal household is not alone the king with his victorious generals and stately nobles, but the potters and the dwellers or workers among plants and hedges. Our text teaches us — I. THAT NONE ARE IGNORED, DESPISED, OR FORGOTTEN IN THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD OF OUR KING BECAUSE OF THE APPARENT INSIGNIFICANCE OF THE POSITION THEY FILL. The work of the Church analagous to that of the potters and hedgers is not in favour. Only a few are willing to do the humble and necessary work of the Church. II. THAT THE RECOGNITION OF THE VALUE OF LABOUR OF THE HUMBLE WORKERS IS JUST AS SURE, AND REWARD JUST AS CERTAIN, AS OF THAT WHICH IS MOST PROMINENT. In the service of the King of kings there is no respecting of persons. It is not the position but the work accomplished that obtains consideration from Him. The name of Luther, or even of Paul, is of no account before Him, nor the office of reformer or apostle, only as meaning mighty labour accomplished in and for the Church. The Hudson may be of far more importance to the country because of its deeper channel, broader bosom, than a little brook that meanders through the meadows of some country valley. One is a broad highway, bearing much of the commerce of great States; the other gives grass to the meadows, drink to cattle, and beauty to the landscape; but surely the Hudson is entitled to no more praise for being what it is than the brook for being what it is. No occupation that is right, however mean, can debar us from dwelling with our Lord. We see constantly earthern pots, of very little value in themselves, crowned with the sweetest, the most beautiful, the rarest flowers and plants. Cheap as the red clay is, it is about the only material that could be used. One great value is its cheapness; another is, that plants, with a singular want of taste, would refuse to flourish in pots of silver or gold; their very density and want of porosity render them nearly valueless for this purpose. Just so the very humbleness of work renders some peculiarly fitted to do it. Conclusion: 1. Here we have encouragement for all the Lord's workers, in (1) the satisfaction connected with the doing; (2) in the present beneficent results of the work; (3) in the certain future reward. 2. Here we may find reason for warm sympathy with all the workers of our King. (Henry W. F. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work. |
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