Read Numbers 3
Highlights:
The census, duties, and order of God for all. The details required for transporting the Tabernacle. Are you allowing God to bring His order and detail into your life? Redemption of the firstborn!
It was vitally important that the Tabernacle workers (Levites) remain faithful and loyal if the priests were to perform their sacred responsibilities. All that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the Tabernacle. . . . shall bear the curtains of the Tabernacle . . . (its) covering . . . and all that is made for them: so shall they serve (Num. 4:23,25-26).
The words to perform the service occur again and again. They refer to the Levites' ordinary hard work of disassembling the Tabernacle and carrying the curtains, poles, furniture, and everything pertaining to the Tabernacle worship throughout the dangerous, difficult wilderness journey (Deut. 1:19).
Just as the priests at that time were dependent upon the faithfulness of the workers, the outreach of the Word of God throughout the world today is dependent upon the faithfulness of the people of God. Every Christian is called upon to perform the service — to faithfully help make it possible for others to know about Jesus Christ and His Word, which alone can set souls free from sin and hell.
God has first claim on the lives of all His people, for all were created and sustained by Him (Col. 1:15-17). Salvation is more than a doctrine. It takes place when a person fully gives himself to the Lord. Christ expects not only to be our Savior but to be our Guide through life, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . . . that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph. 3:17,19). It is of utmost importance that we submit to His Lordship because of our relationship with Jesus Christ, who . . . washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Rev. 1:5-6).
Everything is changed when the believer submits to the Lordship of Christ and realizes that everything of eternal value does have its source in Him. It is then that Bible reading becomes the means of discovering His will and living daily to please the Lord.
Satan continually seeks to hinder everyone from accomplishing anything worthwhile for the Lord. We must be on guard against the more subtle temptations of using the Lord's day and His tithes for personal pleasure. Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season (at the proper time) we shall reap, if we faint not (don't give up) (Gal. 6:9).
Thought for Today:
Unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Eph. 3:20).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Numbers 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood, we serve Christ, our great High Priest (John 12:26; I Pet. 2:5,9; Heb. 4:14).
Word Studies:
3:10 wait on care for; 3:12 matrix tomb; 4:3 all that enter into the host those who qualify to enter the service; 4:6 staves carrying poles; 4:10 bar carrying frame; 4:24 burdens to carry when moving.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Official: Gov. Jay Nixon (MO) • Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China • Major language: Mandarin Chinese • Religious freedom • 80% "Chinese Religions" (Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian); 4% Christianity; .2% Muslim; 14% Atheist; 1.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your life will always be pleasing to God (John 8:29).
Optional Reading: Mark 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:4
