[A]ny outsider who came near was to be put to death. Numbers 3:38b
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:14-39, where the Lord speaks to Moses, as He provides additional commands for a census among the Levites, and more specifics on how the Levites were to guard the tabernacle. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God organizes the Levites and provides them with a mission as each of the clans of Levi's sons are not only numbered (from one month of age upward), but also named specifically, they are given a specific place to camp around the tabernacle, and they are also given specific physical attributes of the tabernacle to guard. In the Old Testament, the physical location of worship is given special meaning as outsiders are to avoid getting to close to the sanctuary, as they risk being put to death (v38). Yet the New Covenant in Jesus, believers must understand that there is no such attachment to the physical temple as the temple itself is anywhere believers gather as believers' bodies are referred to as the temple given Jesus lives in the hearts of believers. See also Ephesians 2:19-22 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: As Jesus lives inside believers hearts, God intends for others to see Jesus in us as we worship through our actions, demonstrating love of others. People do not need protection from getting too close to the sanctuary - on the contrary, God wants non-believers to be drawn to believers through the light of Jesus that shines through us.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid attachment to a church building or to physical attributes of a church. Claim the promise that each of us as believers are a temple with Jesus residing in our hearts. Follow the example of the Levites who stood guard over the temple - of course recognizing that we must protect our heart because that is where Jesus lives. Glorify God in your body.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You sacrificed Your body and life for me...so that I could have life now to the full and for eternity. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
