David said “The Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever.” Unlike the days of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, which was constantly moved from place to place, the work of the Levites was adjusted accordingly. In the past, the work involved transporting and attending to the Tabernacle. Now, their work centred on serving in the Temple and the tasks are more varied, including serving as officials, judges, gatekeepers and musicians who offered praise. Although circumstances change, which may lead to the form of service changing - the principle of serving God remains the same.
Just as the requirements for offerings are all measured according to God’s standards, the ministries of the church today may be varied but it remains true to the principles of the Bible. If our service is not grounded in the Word of God, it will be easy to be swept along by changing trends or to serve according to our own preferences, thereby losing the effectiveness of the ministry.
1 Peter 2:9 tells us that, in the New Testament era, we are God’s chosen people and a royal priesthood. Our identity is previous, just as the Levites and priests were in the Old Testament. As we examine the responsibilities of the Levites, let us also see how they reflect on our own calling and ministry.
Sanctified and belong to God (Numbers 8:14)
The Levites were cleansed and set apart from the people of Israel, because they belonged wholly to God. Likewise, we have been cleansed and set apart from the sins of the world by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. While the world promotes self-centredness and says, “If it makes me happy, why not?”, we should choose to deny ourselves and say, “If it pleases God, I will do it.”
As we make the Bible the standard for our lives, we are distinguished from the world and become a holy people, set apart for God.
God is your inheritance, cultivate the relationship with all your heart (Numbers 18:20)
The Levites were given no inheritance among the people of Israel because God Himself was their inheritance. Do we regard God as our greatest inheritance and cultivate that relationship with care, so that He may be glorified through our lives? Earthly inheritances may be sold, taken away or prove to be only temporary, but God, our inheritance, endures forever. As Psalm 16:5 says, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.” None of our labour for Him is ever in vain. Our work for the Lord will never be wasted, for God preserves the fruit of our labour.
Carry out the affairs of the temple according to the prescribed order.
Division of work, everyone fulfilling their duties
The Levites were responsible for the various duties of the Temple. They oversaw its administration, guarding the gates, and preparing the offerings and the showbread. Similarly, the modern church involves various roles such as pastoral care, evangelism, administration, logistics, and the work of its various ministries. Are we using the gifts God has given each of us to serve one another, so that the church may function smoothly?
Working in an orderly and proper manner
The priests offered sacrifices according to their appointed divisions, while the Levites assisted them in the work of the Temple. Everything was carried out in an orderly and proper manner according to God’s system. The Levites did not harbor jealousy or resentment because God had specially chosen Aaron and his descendants to serve as priests which is a role of higher status than their own, instead, they willingly submitted to God's arrangement and accepted the role of helpers. As 2 Corinthians 13:11 says “Be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” By acting in accordance with God’s order, we can serve the Lord with one heart and mind.
The work of the priests in the Old Testament was to offer sacrifices for atonement on behalf of themselves and the people. In the New Testament, our sacrifice is our prayer. Our prayers replace sacrifices, confessing our sins and repenting. Prayer is the sacrifice that we offer; it is the service that we as priests in the New Covenant era are called to faithfully perform. Prayers are our service to God.
