Highlights In Today's Reading:
Discover God's order for the Levites. Observe the detail He requires for transporting the Tabernacle and the holy furniture. See God's similar order and detail in your life. The demand of God for Christians is to be equally holy. Read today's chapters for a clue.
It was vitally important that the Tabernacle workers (Levites) remained faithful and loyal if the priests were to perform their sacred responsibilities. All that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle. . . . shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle . . . (its) covering . . . and all that is made for them: so shall they serve (4:23,25-26).
The words to perform the service occur again and again referring to the Levites' ordinary hard work of disassembling the Tabernacle and carrying the curtains, poles, furniture, and everything pertaining to the Tabernacle worship throughout the dangerous, difficult wilderness journey (Deuteronomy 1:19).
Just as the priests at that time were dependent upon the faithfulness of the workers, the outreach of God's Word throughout the world today is dependent upon the faithfulness of God's people. Every Christian is called upon to perform the service — to faithfully help make it possible for others to know about Jesus Christ and His Word, which alone can set souls free from sin and hell.
God has first claim on the lives of all His people for all were created and sustained by Him (Colossians 1:15-17). Salvation is more than a doctrine. It takes place when a person fully gives himself to the Lord. Christ expects not only to be our Savior but to be our Guide through life that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. . . . that ye might be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17,19). It is of utmost importance that we recognize His lordship in our relationship with Jesus Christ, who . . . washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelation 1:5-6).
Everything is changed when the believer submits to the Lordship of Christ and realizes that everything of eternal value does have its source in Him. It is then that Bible reading becomes the means of discovering His will and living daily to please the Lord.
Satan continually seeks to hinder everyone from accomplishing anything worthwhile for the Lord. We must be on guard against the more subtle temptations of using the Lord's day and His tithes for personal pleasure. Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season (at the proper time) we shall reap, if we faint not (give up) (Galatians 6:9).
Thought for Today:
Now more than ever before in history, believers need to wholly dedicate their lives to the Lord Jesus.
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Numbers 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood (John 12:26; I Peter 2:5,9), we serve Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).
Word Studies:
3:3 consecrated =installed; 3:4 strange =improper; 3:8 instruments =furnishings; 3:12 matrix =womb; 3:13 hallowed =made holy, set apart; 3:41 firstlings =firstborn; 3:48 odd number =remainder; 4:2 take the sum of =take a census; 4:3 the host =the service; 4:6 staves =carrying poles; 4:10 bar =carrying frame; 4:12 instruments =articles, utensils; 4:14 censers =firepans; 4:24 for burdens =to carry when on march; 4:28 hand =supervision; 4:31 charge =assignment
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Huffstutler • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Gov. Anibal Acevedo-Vila (PR) • Country: Chile (15 million) on the southwestern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 73% Catholic; 20% Protestant; 1% Other; 6% None • Prayer Suggestion: Pour out your heart in prayer to the Lord for your children (Lamentations 2:19).
Optional Reading: Mark 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 118:29
