Numbers 18:1-32 – Serving God

Read Numbers 18:1-32

I really admire Moses and Aaron for their leadership. We’ve been reading about how unappreciated they were due to jealousies and misunderstandings. Thankfully God was there to fight their battles. In our text today, God’s words further set out the divine expectations and regulations that Aaron as priest, and Moses as a Levite, must live by. Do you think they felt honored by God’s provision?

There had to be a lot of pressure to do the right thing. Can you imagine if Aaron and his descendants mishandled anything they had been entrusted, death could result for them and anyone else involved? It’s hard for us to fully grasp the responsibility they were given because our way of doing things today is so much different.

If the people had been afraid for their lives, this chapter gives answers. To keep themselves safe, the Lord made these assignments for Levites clear, including their duties as “assistants” to Aaron and the priests. The Levites, too, were given great honor and privilege to be this close to the LORD’s presence and involved with the holy work.

We might see ourselves in positions serving God in some fashion. While not the prescribed duties in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, we have been given the responsibility to represent God well in our lives. Generally, we find ways to serve him that we may not even recognize as service to God.

One of the purposes Rick Warren outlines in his book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” is that we were designed to serve God. We may not be in the Levitical line, but that doesn’t matter. God needs us all to serve him in the world. That’s a much bigger field than the Tabernacle.

Of note is that priests and Levites received no share of property like the other Israelites did by clan. Their payment and provision would come from tithes and offerings of the people. While these offerings were being given for God, God was returning them to sustain his chosen priests and Levities. It’s really a beautiful picture of giving, isn’t it? The gift that keeps on giving.

When we think of our own payment for service, it is much like that. God’s gifts and provisions aren’t always cash or even physical in nature. We can look around and see all the blessings we have been given. Food in the refrigerator, a roof over our heads, clothing to keep warm, people to love us and be loved. I’ll throw in my little puppy, too, because he has been such a blessing of life and fun into our lives. Sometimes I think as a grandma, I’m too old to be a puppy-mama, but the cuddles are licks are so worth it and all doubt fades away.

Just as God prepared Aaron, Moses, and the rest of the Levites with these words, he has sent the Holy Spirit for us to give us the wisdom we need. We can tap into that wisdom to be guided to the right acts of service we can provide to the body of Christ. There are lots of ways to serve. So long as our actions honor Christ and help others, we’re serving God.

Think about all the ways you’ve served God today. Thank him for each opportunity. If you can’t think of anything, remember a smile to a stranger or a greeting to someone on the street or even an answered email correspondence can become one of those “opportunities.” Don’t get so busy that you forget to be watching.

Let’s pray. Lord, you have given me quite a responsibility. Forgive me for those times when I let doubt or worry creep so that I feel weak or unworthy to serve you in that way. I treasure spending time with you. I’m reminded of your many purposes for me, and one of them is to serve you. It is my honor and privilege to be one of your chosen children. May I be obedient always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.