Bible Pathway - May. 13, 2011

Highlights:

Levi and the priestly line include Moses and Aaron. Lists of all the priestly services. The homes of the Levites.

Chapter six is given wholly to the tribe of Levi, which God appointed to serve as His priests, including Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. . . . Zadok. . . . Samuel . . . Vashni (Joel — see I Sam. 8:2), and Abiah (I Chr. 6:3,8,28). Observe the striking differences in the character of the men who were set apart for sacred service. Some were wholeheartedly devoted to their God-given responsibilities while others profaned their holy calling. From the time of Aaron, the first high priest, until the Babylonian captivity, the names of the priests are documented in detail. Aaron was devoted to his God-given responsibilities, but two of his sons — who had every opportunity to be equally used by the Lord — were hypocrites (Lev. 10:1-2; Num. 3:4). Eli was a faithful prophet but his sons were unworthy, immoral reprobates (I Sam. 2:12-17,22-25). Samuel was a godly judge, priest, and prophet, but his sons were unscrupulous and took bribes (8:1-3). For years, Zadok (I Chr. 6:8) shared the High Priest position with Abiathar (I Kin. 2:26-35), but by participating in Adonijah's plot to seize the throne from David, he became a traitor (1:7). What a strange mixture of devout saints and unprincipled men! What a contrast between heaven-born beginnings and forfeited opportunities!

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found (remain) faithful (I Cor. 4:2).

The sons of Levi represented a sacred office — not a political appointment or popular vote of the people — so there was to be complete, submissive obedience to their God-given call.

Every true Christian has the privilege and responsibility of representing the Lord and of being a faithful servant of Christ.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect (James 2:20-22)?

It should be of little consequence to us whether or not we are used of God in a spectacular work. The deception of our twenty-first century is that we are prone to measure the approval of God in the light of sensational success. However, the person who satisfies God is one who is loyal to the indwelling Christ.

May the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thess. 5:23).

Thought for Today:

Bow down Thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be Thou my strong Rock, for an house of defence to save me (Ps. 31:2).

Christ Revealed:

By the cities of . . . refuge (I Chr. 6:57, also 67,71-72,78,80). For a person to have protection from the avenger of blood, he had to flee to a city of refuge. God provided His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ to be our Refuge from His judgment against our sin. (Compare John 3:14-18; 10:24-30; Gal. 2:16; 3:1-14; Heb. 10:1-18; I John 2:2; Rev. 1:5.) When, by faith, in obedience to His Word, we come to Christ, He becomes our Refuge (Heb. 6:18-20).

Word Studies:

6:32 waited on, performed service in; 6:66 residue, balance; 6:74 suburbs, pasturelands; 7:23 it went evil with, tragedy had happened to his family; 7:24 nether, lower.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Chris Gibson (NY) • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Country: Georgia (5.38 million) west and central Transcaucasia between Asia and Europe • Major languages: Georgian and Russian • Religious opposition to Christianity • 57% Georgian (and Russian) Orthodox; 21.2% Muslim; 5% Armenian Apostolic; .8% Catholic (Greek-Catholic); .5% Protestant (mainly Baptist); .5% Jewish; 15% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Be grateful for your inheritance as a child of the King (I Pet. 1:3-4).

Optional Reading: Romans 16

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 John 3:22