Gifts!

Gifts. They are associated with various occasions. We give them and receive them. Some are more precious or special than others. Sometimes it is not the cost of the gift that determines its preciousness, but who it is that has given it. The giver usually expects the gift to be appreciated.

In Numbers we read of the organization of the twelve tribes of Israel and the duties associated with the priests (Aaron and his sons) and the Levites (the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites). The Levites were not listed among the other tribes because they belonged to God ( Numbers 3:12) and would assist in the duties associated with the worship at the tabernacle.

Of the Levites, God stated. . .
"(14) Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine. . . . . (17) For all the firstborn among the people of Israel are mine, both of man and of beast. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I consecrated them for myself, (18) and I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the people of Israel. (19) And I HAVE GIVEN THE LEVITES AS A GIFT TO AARON AND HIS SONS from among the people of Israel, TO DO THE SERVICE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL at the tent of meeting and to make atonement for the people of Israel, that there may be no plague among the people of Israel when the people of Israel come near the sanctuary." ( Numbers 8:14 & 17-19 ESV)

The Levites were A GIFT FROM GOD to Aaron and his sons to assist in the service of the tabernacle. (also stated in Numbers 18:6) They, along with Aaron and his descendents, had been given a special role. Their assistance in the work was to be an appreciated help to the priesthood.

Under Christ (our High Priest) we do not have a separate and distinct priesthood since we together are "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession." ( 1 Peter 2:9 ESV) However, do we have an appreciation for our brethren in the church and the assistance we receive from them? Are we mindful of the assistance we are to be as well? What a difference it can make when we begin to VIEW ONE ANOTHER as being A GIFT FROM GOD. Does our life reflect appreciation to God for such a gift and are we living to BE A GIFT to each other? We are to work together in ministry to the glory of God. May our relationships be what God desires them to be.

Have a great day BEING A GIFT TO OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Relationships