Engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work

(Charles Spurgeon)

"These were potters, and those who dwelt among plants and hedges. They lived there in the service of the King." 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".

The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough 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. In the same way, the place of our habitation is fixed by God, 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 "lived there in the service of the King." Just so, no lawful place, or gracious occupation, however lowly, 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.

You unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low-be of good cheer, for . . .
  precious jewels have been found in such lowly places,
  earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and
  noxious weeds have been transformed into precious flowers!

Dwell with the King doing His work-and when He writes His chronicles, your name shall be recorded!

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Here is an insightful article by Arthur Pink: "God's Jewels!" The text is Malachi 3:17, "And they shall be Mine, says the Lord Almighty, in that day when I make up My jewels!"