The Road to Redemption

In the previous post, we looked at pastoral exemption.  The tribe of Levi did not fight in Israel's army.  They belonged to the Lord.  They served at the tabernacle and carried it around as Israel wandered in the desert.  We continue in Numbers 3 by learning about the three clans in the tribe of Levi and the work God has for them.

The Levites will be counted by clan and given work assignments in the tabernacle.  The first son of Levi was Gershon. The Gershonites were counted if they were over one month in age.  This greatly differs from the numbering of the army.  A Levite would not serve at such a young age, but they would be recorded in the records.  The 7,500 Gershonites were to guard the tabernacle tents and camp to the west of the tabernacle.  The Levites were encamped between the tabernacle and the tribal divisions.

Levi's second son was Kohath, and there were 8,600 Kohathites camped on the south side of the tabernacle.  This clan was responsible for the ark itself, the other furnishings in the tabernacle's inner sanctuary where only the priests can enter.  The Kohathites would have responsibility for the carrying of all of these articles, but they would not go near them until the priests covered them and they would carry them on long poles.  Eleazar the priest would supervise the work of these Levites.

The third son of Levi was Merari and his descendants numbered 6,200 men one month or older.  The Merarites were responsible for frames, bars, pillars, bases, pegs, and ropes for the tabernacle.  They camped on the north side of the tabernacle.  Members of this clan might feel that they have been given the least desirable, least honorable assignment.  1 Corinthians 12 tells us how believers are each given gifts at God's discretion.  We all have different gifts and abilities to be used for each other in the church.  We are not to covet gifts we have not received.  We are to use our gifts to the best of our ability by the grace of God and encourage those who have different gifts.  The same can hold true of these servants of God.  The Merarites need to fulfill their duties as they are called and thank God for the opportunity to serve Him.

Moses, Aaron and the sons of Aaron are in service as the priests.  They will encamp to the east of the tabernacle.  Just as Judah was honored to camp in the east by the sun, so this place of honor is bestowed on those who can approach God physically.  God met with Moses face to face at the tabernacle.  His was a position of honor.  The Levites were on all four sides of the tabernacle as a buffer keeping the other tribes at a distance from God.  This was for the protection of all.  Moses and Aaron were at the entrance as they were the only ones who could enter when the ark and articles when uncovered.  This was for the protection of the Levites.  God set down these rules and standards.  We cannot gaze upon a holy God.  His omnipotent, compassionate, gracious, loving, forgiving nature does not suffer disobedience.

“So why doesn’t the Lord simply authorize everyone so he will not destroy anyone? Undoubtedly so that his people will not become overly familiar with him so as to lose their sense of the vast difference between him and themselves.”  (NIV Application Commentary, p. 515)

How many Levites were counted in Numbers 3 in total? 22,000.  In Numbers 3:40, God had Moses count all of the first born males of the entire Israelite nation. The firstborn males of the Israelite nation numbered 22,273.  That is pretty close to the number of Levites!  God is going to take the Levites in place of the firstborn males of the entire nation who belong to God.  God spared them from death but they must still be redeemed.

What example can you think of when a number comes so close for you or someone you know? 

Let me give you an example so you know what I am asking.  Our ministry supports a pastoral association in Northern Haiti.  Our ministry was having a low point in donations.  The leaders felt led to give most of what we had in our account to the Haitian pastors.  Giving this $2,400 was a somewhat risky move that would make it difficult for us to help them in the future, possibly.  Within one week of sending the money to Haiti, a man contacted the head of our ministry and said he had something for him.  He met with the donor who handed him $2,400 cash and said that God told him to give this to our ministry!  Has anything like this ever happened to you?  God is amazing!  Praise Him!  Testify to others about this work in your life.

Not an exact match

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There was a slight discrepancy in this instance, however. How did Israel redeem the 273 extra Israelite firstborn males?  God directed that money be given to redeem the 273 Israelites. This token money reminds Israel that the firstborn belongs to God and reminds them of the Passover and all that God has done for them.  The redemption money as well as all of the tithes and Levitical portions of offerings provide for the Levites’ needs.  As ministers supported by the community, they can focus on their duties at the tabernacle, and later, the temple.  Today we should support our pastors so they can be devoted to the work of the Lord.  We should also gift them throughout the year to show our appreciation.

Five shekels was not much, what was the price paid for OUR redemption?  We just celebrated Easter and the sacrifice God made by giving His one and only Son for our redemption from sin. Jesus paid for our sins. Romans 3:23 says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

These verses prove that God demands a payment for sin and Jesus paid that debt for us in full!  We owe our lives to the Savior who lovingly, bravely died for our sins.

The Levites were given in service to the Lord.  We are also called to serve the Lord.  How will you serve Him today? Remember that even a cup of cold water given to a child of God will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42).  And “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord…” (Proverbs 19:17)  No service is too small for the Lord.  Giving your time and devoting your life in ministry to God brings great joy and fulfillment. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is for every Christian.  We are to spread the gospel message wherever we are.  When is the last time that you went out of your comfort zone to share Jesus with others? Some are called to a crime-filled inner city of their own country, others are called to third-world countries and still others are to live out their faith in their current community.  We must listen for God’s calling on our lives and be willing to go, if that is His will for us.  Jesus sacrificed everything for us; we must be willing to do the same. If we truly understand the grace of God, we cannot help but share the message.

Have a wonderful day in the Lord, dwelling on thoughts of what God has for you to do, what He has done for you, what you can do for Him and your pastor, and thanking Him for those wonderful "coincidences" in life that remind you there is a loving God in heaven looking out for you.