The Gifts of Divine Service
When we read the Lord’s instruction in Numbers 18:1–7, a few points stand out. First, the Lord makes it clear that He is the One who is appointing the people to these positions. Perhaps this emphasis was made because of the previous problems, not just with Korah and his cohorts but even with Miriam and Aaron. Now, though, there would be no question as to why these people were given these roles. They were there because God put them there—period.
Notice, too, the reason the Lord wanted to make these divisions. It was so that His “wrath may never again come upon the Israelites” (vs. 5, NRSV). Here, again, we see God’s mercy even amid such powerful judgments. God seeks to save His people, not condemn or destroy them. The whole plan of salvation, from start to finish, reveals the Lord’s desire to redeem sinful fallen beings from the destruction that sin otherwise brings (John 3:16–18).
What term is used to describe what the Levites are to the priesthood and what the priesthood was to Aaron’s family? What lessons should we draw from it?
When you think of a gift, you think of something that is not earned. It’s totally of grace. This was a privilege bestowed upon these people, not because of any merit on their part, but simply through God’s grace and providence. In the end, the Lord needed someone to do this work, and in His divine wisdom these were the ones He chose.
Of course, with this sacred task came sacred responsibilities. Issues of life and death, both physically and spiritually, were involved here, for the tabernacle was the place where God dwelt on earth. The sanctuary was also the model for what Jesus would do here on earth and for His ministry in heaven (Hebrews 9). It was like a miniature Calvary being played out in types and shadows. The destiny of souls lay in the balance. Hence, the solemnity the Lord placed on the roles given these men.
| Think about your innate talents, whatever they are. No matter how hard you work to cultivate them, they are still that—gifts, something given to you by God. What are you doing with those gifts? Are you using them for yourself or for the good of others and the furtherance of the Lord’s work? Might you need to do some serious soul-searching and changing? |
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