In God’s economy, no one can do it all. David, the king, needed advisors. Aaron, the priest, needed the Levites to perform the ancillary functions so that he could do the priestly duties.
As Israel transitioned from movable tabernacle to permanent temple the role of the Levites adjusted but remained necessary and important.
For David had said, “Since the LORD, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.”
According to the last instructions of David, the Levites were counted from those twenty years old or more. The duty of the Levites was to help Aaron’s descendants in the service of the temple of the LORD: to be in charge of the courtyards, the side rooms, the purification of all sacred things and the performance of other duties at the house of God. They were in charge of the bread set out on the table, the special flour for the grain offerings, the thin loaves made without yeast, the baking and the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening and whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD on the Sabbaths, at the New Moon feasts and at the appointed festivals. They were to serve before the LORD regularly in the proper number and in the way prescribed for them (25-31).
It seems that the Lord is intentional in necessitating many people to see that His work is accomplished. This theme continues in the New Testament where apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor/teachers (see Ephesians 4:11) were necessary for the building up of the body to do its part. Then as the church matures we see elders and deacons being added to leadership roles (see 1Tim 3:1ff).
All of this was to equip and protect the body so that the body –all believers –could use their gifts as God dispensed and determined (see 1Cor 12). Everyone is needed for God’s design for the church to work properly
I have ranged far and wide from my initial thoughts on the Levites; even so I see consistency in the Lord’s workings.
God called a people to spread His fame and God is still using a people. No longer is God’s people defined by a blood line, now instead it is defined by one’s faith in Jesus. The goal remains the same, to bless the nations by giving everyone a chance to know and follow Jesus. To accomplish this task, every Jesus-follower needs to play her or his part. There are no bystanders in the church of God. Everyone is an active participant.
Am I playing my part? Are you playing your part?
Think about it…
Lord, I am so blessed that You saved me. My appreciation is best put into action, doing what You would have me do. Show me, Lord. Apprentice me, Lord. Lead and guide me, Lord, into being the son and disciple You want and desire me to be. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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