Scripture Passage for Today
Scripture Focus
“When you present the Levites before the LORD, the people of Israel must lay their hands on them. Raising his hands, Aaron must then present the Levites to the LORD as a special offering from the people of Israel, thus dedicating them to the LORD’s service.” (Numbers 8:10-11 NLT)
Observation
I love seeing something in the Scriptures I’ve not seen before. That happened today, when reading about the presentation of the Levites before the Lord in this act of dedication and consecration. Please note:
It was the people who presented the Levites to the Lord “as a special offering”. They were “given”, the passage explains, “…in place of all the firstborn sons of the Israelites” (8:16). They were to “serve in the Tabernacle on behalf of the Israelites…” (8:19).
Here’s the thought that grows from that—written as one who has enjoyed the privilege of serving in “full-time” ministry for over 25 years. Is “full-time” ministry simply a necessity because of the complexities of the modern (American) church? (I’ve heard that suggested, in a call away from “CEO-type” pastors and towards simplicity in church form and function.) Or is there something more significant in consecrating certain people who are granted the privilege of “serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of the Israelites”? Does it perhaps say something about how significant the people as a whole consider their walk of faith, and how significant they deem the maintenance of leadership who can encourage them in it?
I continue to be fascinated by the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 6, where there was a genuine and pressing need among the people, but the apostles declared that it would “not be right” for them to be the ones to address it!
The twelve gathered all the disciples together and said "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:2-4 NIV)
I write all this as one privileged, and not as one on the outside looking in. Still, I wonder if this “offering” of Levites—able-bodied men who could have acted productively in other ways—…if this offering of Levites who would be devoted completely to spiritual pursuits at the expense of the Israelites speaks not to a privileged class of elitists, but to the priority and value of corporate attention to the spiritual dimension of life.
6 comments:
wow! there is alot that God had his people do back then. it seemed like there was an offering for everything they did and if you didnt do it then you were thrown out. I wonder if there was a way to get back in if you were thrown out? I dont remember reading about a forgiveness offering.
Hi all. I remember reading in Exodus about the Levites coming forward when called by Moses. (Whoever is on the lords side... come to me.) Even among all the revelry of the new God and Turning away of the Nation of Isreal. They hung back and waited for Moses return. (MY thought)Then Moses said,"Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day...Ex. 32:29
As I have been reading this I realize how lucky we are to be here after Christ's resurrection. I am hoping Pastor or someone else can answer a Question Dawn and I have been dicussing for a couple of days now. It has to do with the offerings, what is the significance of burnt offerings? I keep reading that it pleases God, that I understand. Why the burning? I know this is going to sound bad but it is something that has been put on both of our hearts as we discussed this. If God is such a loving God why the animal sacrifices? I know it is to attone for their sin but, to make something else suffer for your sin seems harsh. Just the way it is described seems very disturbing to us. Not just a sacrifice but, actually tearing the animal or bird apart. I know there has to be something we are missing in all of this. Please help! Glen H
The burnt offering was the one offering that was totally consumed by fire. It speaks, then, of a gift utterly and absolutely devoted to the Lord.
To make someone suffer for your sins is harsh—and I think that is exactly the point. Sin is costly. It separates and destroys. Ultimately (as God warned) it brings death. So the principle is this: If you are to live, something must die in your place (see Exodus 12:1-30). It is—in one sense—unspeakably cruel that an innocent animal should have to die to provide a measure of covering for another’s sin. But—in another sense—there is something marvelously merciful about it, as well—that by this means God provided for Israel’s forgiveness.
All of this, of course, anticipates what God has done for us in Christ. However unjust the sacrifice of an animal for Israel’s sins…all the more was it cruel and unjust—and merciful—when Jesus paid the price for each of us at Calvary.
Thank you Kent for the clarification. I should have looked at it in that perspective I was too caught up in the sacrifices themselves to see the total picture.
I totally agree with your last comment about paying attention to the spiritual dimension of life. So often we get caught up in our circumstances and don't stop to see what God can be doing behind the scenes. Where opportunity is abounding even in trials and tribulations. Just this week I was openly persecuted for my faith and it has been a hard thing to deal with (and also confusing because it was from someone who calls himself a minister of the word); I could easily have succumbed to bitterness. I choose to believe that God is still fighting my battles for me and going ahead of me with protection. If any of you have doubts about this go to 1Peter 4:7-19.
I know this may not seem to have much to do with this day's bible readings but it does speak to the significance of the people who are in leadership, specifically 'ministers'.
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