April 24, Reading 1 – Numbers 4

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

The duties of the Levite clans were specified. There is nothing unspiritual about good organisation or administration in the worship and life of the Church. The Apostle Paul said: everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:40 This is important for family and individual worship – if they are to happen!

SJA Notes

* Dear Lord and King, Maker and Saviour, let all creation praise Your Name! Praise the LORD!

“According to the commandment of the LORD through Moses they were listed, each one with his task of serving or carrying.”

Here the Lord goes deeper into the tasks of the three clans in Levi, taking care of the tabernacle (God’s meeting place with man).

The sons of Kohath were to carry the holy things; the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar and all the utensils connected to them.

The sons of Gershon were to carry the curtains and hangings and the cords.

The sons of Merari were to carry the structure; the frames, bars, pillars and bases, and all the equipment and accessories attached.

Kohath – The holy things.

Gershon – The coverings.

Merari – The structure.

It is interesting then to see what role Aaron and his sons (the priests) have in all of this.

The Kohathites were not to touch or even look upon the holy things that they were to carry, even for a moment!

The High Priest and his sons had to be the ones to cover up the holy things (the veil for the ark, goatskin, blue cloth, scarlet cloth).

This detail and care shows us again the importance God places on His meeting place. The rigorous and emphatic commands (for our own good) that God gives.

While we look forward to His tabernacle fully realised in the new heavens and the new earth in the _not yet_ (Revelation 21:3-4), in the _now_ we are God’s church on earth. When we come together, into His presence in corporate-together worship, it is a wonderful and important thing.

Let us be encouraged to continue to place a God-given importance on meeting with Him, together with His people. A holy God in the midst of sinners, saved by His grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

But too, a care for one another, we who make up His church. Loving one another, spurring on to good works, toward unity in the Spirit!

* Gracious Lord,

Please help us to take seriously our meeting with You; in our own personal devotions, in whatever family units we have, and in our church families that You have placed us in.

Thank You that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place, offering Himself up as the once-for-all sacrifice.

Thank You Lord!

Amen.

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