TEXT: NUMBERS 8:20-26
Key verse: “And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them. And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the tabernacle...” (Numbers 8:21,22).
As a people, the tribe of Levi was chosen to render special services unto God. This choice was made after the unpleasant event of Mount Sinai when the people’s impatience over Moses’ delay led them to request for the moulding of a god of gold. Moses came down, expressed disgust over their action and gave them a chance to repent. He made the call: ‘Who is on the Lord’s side’, and only the Levites voluntarily separated themselves unto Moses’ side to serve the true God.
The dedication of the Levites was to take the place of the first born. Their separation symbolized the godly separation that should characterise the nation of Israel. All Israelites’ first born belonged to the Lord (Exodus 13:11-16). However, God allowed the Levites to become substitutes for all the first born. They were to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation and were wholly given unto the Lord. They were to retire at age fifty probably to enable the younger men take over the hard task of lifting the heavy objects.
Even so, they did not stop working entirely. They were allowed to carry out some light duties and assist the younger men to assume more responsibilities. They had no inheritance: their inheritance was God Himself.
The life of the Levites provide us a great lesson in consecration and commitment to God’s work. Many have gone astray pursuing gold and silver to be lavished on earthly pleasures of the flesh. We must spare a thought today: how much of your time do you give to God? You may not be a Levite but you are to be what God desires you to be in purity and holiness of life.
Thought for today: Everyone must give account of himself to God someday.