In the Old Testament, the tribe of Levi had been chosen by the Lord for the service of His sanctuary. Moses, the one who represented God before the people and Aaron who represented the people before God, were both descendants of Levi. Aaron and his sons were to assume the priesthood while the other descendants of Levi were responsible for the transportation of diverse elements of the tabernacle in the desert. These served according to the order described for us in the first chapters of the book of Numbers. Every believer in the Lord Jesus receives, by grace, these two great privileges: he is a priest (1 Peter 2:5-9, Rev.1:6) and also a servant (1Thes. 1:9).
Certain Levites had the great privilege of carrying the vessels of the holy place. These were carried on the shoulders on two staves, two pieces of wood. Imagine the scene, men carrying the ark of the Lord; if some of them withdrew or forsook their labor, the load only became heavier for the others. A minimum of two men could carry the ark of the testimony over a short distance with its two staves; this teaches us that, even in great weakness, it is possible for just two or three believers in the Lord Jesus to carry on with the testimony of the assembly (Mat. 18:20). Let us however rather take heed to Hebrews 10:25.
The burden bearers of the sanctuary had to be from 30 to 50 years old (Numbers 4:3); they were mature and capable men (cf 1 Tim. 3:6). For the Christian, the load the Lord entrusts us with will be in accordance with our spiritual maturity and our capabilities. He does not ask for anything above the strength He provides. There are tasks for every age and ability. Il ne nous demande rien au-dessus of la force qu'Il nous donne. Il existe des charges individuelles pour tout âge et toute capacité. Let us have indispensable grace whereby we can serve God acceptably (Hebrews 12:28).
Let us not neglect the carrying out of that which is entrusted to us, whether it seems small or great; let us not make others burdens heavier by our giving up of ours. Let us all do our part. If we are faithful in the little things, we shall also in the greater ones (Luke 16:10).
In Nehemiah 4, when they were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, discouragement had affected the burden bearers to the point of stopping the work. But what encouragement in these words:” Remember the Lord... fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives and your houses”(v.14). They returned to work each with a sword in their hand. Let us also hold fast the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, for by it we are made to understand what the Lord expects from each of us.
Remember from whom you have received this call to particular service, to fulfill it faithfully, for His glory, in response to His love (Col.3:23-25). And take heed to the service you have received (Col. 4:17).
NOTE: All Bible references are from the King James Version unless otherwise specified. All unsigned material is in the spirit of Ecc. 12:11. Send all correspondence, comments, suggestions to: dailysowers@tlb.sympatico.ca
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