Sunday, May 17, 2009

Numbers 4

Here we continue with some of the more tedious sections of Numbers. However, as mentioned in earlier posts, these passages are important because they demonstrate the importance of the holiness of God, and how we should respond to it. This chapter is no different.

We basically have instructions for three branches or families of the Levites, regarding the materials of the tabernacle. The Kohathites are mentioned first. Their job was to carry all the utensils of the tabernacle. For example, after the sons of Aaron wrapped all the dishes, jars, plates, lampstands, and firepans, the Kohathites were to carry them. These men were not even allowed to look at the holy things or they would die (vs. 20); their job was to carry, nothing else! The Gershonites were mentioned next, starting in verse 21. They were in charge of all the curtains and their equipment for the tabernacle. This includes outer curtains, curtains for entrances, for courtyards, and all the ropes needed for them. The Merarites are mentioned last in this list of duties. Their job was to care for and carry all the materials for the framework of the tabernacle. This included crossbars, posts, bases, tent pegs, and ropes. The tabernacle represented God's presence among His chosen people, so obviously the care of these materials were of the utmost importance.

You know what?? This passage relates to us serving God here in 2009! After I read this passage a couple of times, I began thinking about the many New Testament passages on spiritual gifts. Just like these branches of the Levites, we all have specific roles (gifts) in the body of Christ (Romans 12, I Cortinthians 12, Ephesians 4).

Do you think the Merarites ever asked, "Why do we have to carry all the posts and stuff?" and, "Why do the Kohathites get to carry the important stuff?" Of course I don't know that from this passage of scripture, but I do know that we ask these questions today. How do I know? --cause I've done it myself, I'm embarrassed to say!

Numbers 4 is a great reminder that God is the One who made us, gifted us, and placed us to do His will right down to this same detail we find in this chapter. We cause ourselves great amounts of insecurity, stress, worry, self pity, and jealousy when we compare ourselves to others. More destructive than that, we cause dissension and divisiveness among our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sadly, this also happens with churches. At one time or another, we can all be guilty of looking to other churches or ministries and asking, "Why aren't we having that success?" or, "Why can't we be like them?" So how do we deal with these issues? We must maintain our focus on God and look to Him for how He has gifted us and designed us to glorify and magnify Him. The most important part of this chapter is not the materials or which branch of the Levites carried them. The most important part is God's glory!! Is this where our focus is today as we meet all over the globe as local bodies of Christ? Lord Jesus, we pray that it is!!

May God bless the reading of His word!!