Monday, March 1, 2010

Numbers 4

4 comments:

Unknown said...

REVERENCE.

That was the word that came to mind in reading this chapter. The reverence with which these acts of service and worship were carried out. It made me think about the "sacred things" in my life, and how do I treat them? Do I give them the honor and reverence that are their due? This bible, this living, sacred word, do I carry it with an ingrained spirit of reverence and awe? Do I give it a place in my life that is sacred and honoring the author who has imparted His very Spirit and Truth into my keeping?

Wow.

My girls have been such an amazing example of this to me. Their devotion and reverence for God's word is heart warming. Sometimes I start to concern myself with them not wanting to fall into legalsim, when they get all upset when it is too late for them to read their bible at night and I want them to go to bed and save it for the next day... =) last week I suggested maybe they should have their quiet times first thing in the morning, rather than last thing at night, and they thought that might be a good solution.

How I love to come out of my room in the morning and see them propped up under the pillows reading their bibles. It is such a joy. And when I look at them I know that it is not legalism, but devotion, and am reminded of the fact that disciplines become habits, and habits become ingrained parts of your personality and lifestyle and go from "trying" to "rewarding".

The very last verse really stood out to me as well. The leadership from the top down. All the people were accounted for, and were "plugged in". They weren't left to discover their own gifts or volunteer themselves. It brought back to mind the exhortation to the elders we just read in 1 Peter. To shepherd the flock and be responsible for them.

Sometimes it seems like in our culture we have reversed things so much. The flock is expected to "rise to the occasion", find their own niche, be responsible for their own discipleship, etc. Leadership has taken a back seat and is hesitant to steer... I'm not sure why this is but I think it is maybe because like stubborn sheep, we don't like to be steered??? Not sure about all this, just thoughts I'm mulling over.

Denise said...

...chasing the wagon! Love you comments!

"The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites were families of Levites who were assigned special tasks in Israel's worship. For the jobs described in this chapter, a Levite had to be between 30 and 50 years old. He was expected to carry out his duties as described here in every detail. In fact, failure to do so would mean death. This contrasted greatly from the religious practices of the Egyptians who could purchase amulets and potions. Their idols could be handled. The God of the Hebrews was not to be handled or reduced to common elements. He is greater than anything in his creation. Worshiping our holy God must not be taken lightly."

Not so subtle reminders!

Unknown said...

welcome back!

Denise said...

Thanks for the push! I needed that!