Read Numbers 3:1
Highlights:
Discover the order of God for the Levites. Observe the detail He requires for transporting the Tabernacle and the holy furniture. See the similar order and detail of God in your life. God expects Christians to be equally holy. Read today's chapters for a clue.
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him. And they shall keep his charge, and . . . do the service of the Tabernacle. . . . therefore the Levites shall be Mine; Because all the firstborn are Mine . . . both man and beast: Mine shall they be: I am the Lord (Num. 3:6-7,12-13).
The tribe of Levi was chosen by God to be responsible for the Tabernacle and all the nation's worship ceremonies. God did not make His choice on the basis of their spiritual nature, insight, and actions being superior to the other tribes. As a matter of fact, the past conduct of Simeon and Levi was not praise-worthy, as Jacob's prophetic words revealed: For in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel (Gen. 49:5-7). This is an example of how God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purposes. God in mercy bestows His marvelous grace and blessings to the unworthy.
The Levites performed the sacred duties of the Tabernacle and were responsible for taking it down, transporting it, and erecting it.
Their service was to carry the Tabernacle and its furnishings through the wilderness. A careful study of the Old Testament suggests that the wilderness is symbolic of this world through which we pass, and as Christians, it is our responsibility to manifest Christ on this journey. We must guard the holy things of our faith as faithfully as the Levites guarded the Tabernacle and its contents.
Many of the people of God are conformed to this present evil age, unfit for service, and out of fellowship with God.
God has first claim on our lives. Our priorities change when we recognize the lordship of Christ and realize that everything of eternal value must have its direction from Him.
Let us earnestly desire that our eyes be open to see the blessed privileges we have as Christians — called to be priests unto God.
Unto Him that . . . hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever (Rev. 1:5-6).
Thought for Today:
Our Lord . . . Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling . . . according to His own purpose and grace (II Tim. 1:8-9).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Num. 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood (I Pet. 2:5,9), we serve Christ (John 12:26), our great High Priest (Heb. 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; 3:48 odd number, remainder; 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 International Broadcasts: Sponsored by Rev. Gladys V. Davis; In Memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT) • Country: Serbia and Montenegro (11 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious conflict • 41% Serbian/Montenegrin/Macedonian Orthodox; 33% Catholic; 11% Muslim; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Read the Word of God to build up your faith so that you can pray and ask in faith (Rom. 10:17).
Optional Reading: Mark 16:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:18