Highlights In Today's Reading:
Discover the order of God for the Levites. Observe the detail that God required for transporting the Tabernacle and the holy furniture. Are you allowing God to bring His order and detail into your life? Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with (all) thy might (make it the best) (Eccl. 9:10).
It was vitally important that all workers remain faithful and loyal if the priests were to perform their sacred responsibilities. All (Gershonites) that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the Tabernacle . . . shall bear the curtains of the Tabernacle, and the Tabernacle . . . covering . . . and all that is made for them: so shall they serve (Num. 4: 23,25-26).
To perform the service literally means to war the warfare. This phrase occurs again and again in referring to the ordinary hard work of disassembling the Tabernacle and carrying the curtains, poles, furniture, and everything pertaining to the worship of God throughout the difficult wilderness journey (Deut. 1:19).
Every Christian is called upon to perform the service — to faithfully help make it possible for others to know about our loving Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ and His Word. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). No one else in the world can set souls free from sin and give them eternal life.
In this service, there is a warfare. Satan continually seeks to hinder anyone he can from accomplishing anything worthwhile for the Lord — whether it be those who pray or provide financial support, or in any other area of service to God.
Satan attempts to defeat us in whatever area we are most vulnerable at the moment — finding fault, complaining, indulging in sinful activities, or putting ourselves under stress — even to the point of causing us to deny the Lord, as Peter did (Luke 22:54-61). We must guard against the more subtle temptations of laziness, desire for recognition, concern about what others may think, or withholding what should be given to the ministry of God.
Just as the priests were dependent upon the faithfulness of the workers, the ministry of the Word of God throughout the world is dependent upon the faithfulness of the people of God.
Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal. 6:9).
Thought for Today:
The Word of God says that we are to be aware of Satan's devices or his evil schemes that will rob us of our effectiveness in serving God (II Cor. 2:11).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Num. 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood (John 12:26; I Peter 2:5,9), we serve Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).
Word Studies:
3:3 consecrated =installed; 3:4 strange =improper; 3:8 instruments =furnishings; 3:12 matrix =womb; 3:13 hallowed =made holy, set apart; 3:41 firstlings =firstborn; 4:2 take the sum of =take a census; 4:3 the host =the service; 4:6 staves =carrying poles; 4:10 bar =carrying frame; 4:12 instruments =articles, utensils; 4:14 censers =firepans; 4:24 for burdens =to carry when on march; 4:28 hand =supervision; 4:31 charge =assignment.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Aubrey Levings • Staff: Tammy Davis • Government Official: Gov. Anibal Acevedo-Vila (PR) • Country: Barbados (259,000) on the island farthest east in the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 79% Protestant; 8% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Can you say you are ready for the Lord's coming (Mal. 3:2)?
Optional Reading: Mark 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:7-8