Read Numbers 3
Highlights:
Census and duties of the Levites: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites; the redemption of the firstborn
Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two oldest sons, had been greatly hon-ored by being included with Moses and Aaron and 70 elders to go up Mount Sinai at the Lord’s command (Exodus 24:1,9). They had been given national recognition and God-ordained spiritual leadership. But, all this did not protect them from the consequences of their disobedience.
The newly ordained priests Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange (unlawful) fire before the Lord (in His presence), in the wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 3:4). They presumed to burn incense, symbolic of the prayers of the people, with unauthorized fire, that is, fire not kindled by God on the Brasen Altar (Leviticus 9:23-24; 10:1-2).
God never overlooks disobedience to His Word whether one is a popular “spiritual” leader or just an “ordinary” Christian. Even to become a member of a church if there is no intent to submit one’s life to please the Lord would be hypocrisy. The One True God is expressed in three Persons as Father, Son (Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary), and Holy Spirit.
A true Christian will seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). As children of God, it is of utmost importance that our loyalty to Christ and His Church be our first consideration. All else is of less importance, such as employment, hobbies, sports, friends, etc. We must desire to have Christ as Lord (Ruler) over our lives. He is the Head of the body, the Church . . . that in all things He might have the preeminence (Colossians 1:16-18).
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wa-vering . . . Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful (terrifying) looking for of judgment. . . . He that despised (rejected) Moses’ Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant (agreement), wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto (insulted) the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:23, 25-29).
Thought For The Day:
Think of it! Out of over 6 billion people on this earth, God hears and answers the prayers of each one of His own.
Word Studies:
3:10 wait on, care for; 3:12 matrix, womb; 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.
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; 1 Peter 2:5,9; Hebrews 4:14).
Prayer Suggestion: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Isaiah 26:16).
Optional Reading: Mark 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14
