Read Numbers 3:14-51
You may recall that I love genealogies and uncovering family history. I suppose that interest is even more pronounced being far from family living in the present. It’s relaxing and comforting to look back and imagine how my ancestors lived, what they were passionate about. This passage gives us some family background information to help us understand more about being a Levite.
Descendants of Levi, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, were called on by God in a special way. This passage gives us the names of these early tribal leaders of Levi’s lineage. Imagine how many generations have passed now since the days God assigned the Levites their duties and expectations. They were no longer free from the control and service of God. What an honor to have been chosen!
We learn that the clans of Levi were intentionally split in this civilization to surround the tabernacle of God. Each of Levi’s sons and their family had a particular responsibility for the tabernacle and were given a designated space to live. One of Levi’s sons was Kohath, and he was also grandfather to Moses and Aaron. It’s nice to connect some Bible family roots.
The Levites were then sharing the land set aside for other tribes of Israel. I like to think it was one big happy family, thrilled to be in close quarters, sharing space in this barren land. But life would have had challenges; it’s good to remember that, too. We’re not alone in having trials in our life. How are you coping with what roadblocks you’re facing or have faced in your life?
Where is God moving in this reading for you? I saw it in the declaration that the Levites belonged to God. Taking ownership implies taking action. Being God’s instrument explains how the Levites would have time to do all the tasks they and priests were assigned to accomplish. We read about those in the law for example.
Also interesting was to learn about the importance of first-born sons. The Levites were also given great responsibility by acting as a sacrifice. There were almost enough Levites to each “adopt” a first-born son. God wanted a ransom for those sons and the Levites’ service and dedication were the intended as the payment.
My mind jumps immediately to another payment, to what Jesus paid on the cross for me. Jesus intended to do what he did because he knew it was the only way to restore relationships between God and man. Because of Jesus we have access to God in a way Moses and Aaron and the other Levites didn’t. And yet, they were very close to God in their own way.
How do you respond to God and how he is leading your life? Do you need to do a better job of keeping your eyes on the “tabernacle” of God’s presence in your life?
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for how you protect me each day. I want to live my life in such a way that people see me and want what I’ve got. I’ve got you, God. Help me to keep my eyes on you and never take you for granted. You are what sustains me and moves me forward. I look to you for your guidance. Your blessings overflow. Use me today to be your light in this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
