So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 3:40-51

So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 3:49-51

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:40-51, where the Lord commands Moses to take a redemption price from among the firstborn (above and beyond the firstborn of the Levites).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God commands Moses to collect a redemption price for each firstborn from among the people of Israel above and beyond the count of the firstborn from among the Levites - see vv39, 43, 46-47. This price - 1,365 shekels (273*5) is then collected and provided to Aaron and his sons.  God holds with high regard the role of the priesthood in church and seeks for the priesthood to be supported by offerings and this is carried over from the Old Testament (see Leviticus 7, Numbers 18, and Deuteronomy 18) to the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 9:13-14).  Such support allows the priesthood focus on their God-given duties without minimal distraction.  This is emphasized in v41 and v45 where God says the "the Levites shall be mine," implying that God is reserving them from among all of Israel for a special purpose.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The designation of the priesthood as mediator between God and the people first started in Exodus 20:19 where fire, smoke, thunder, etc. at Mount Sinai terrified the people and they pleaded with Moses to intercede and speak to God directly on their behalf.  The New Covenant based on Jesus' shed blood did away with this as believers can now go Jesus directly without the need of any intervention.  The role of a lead pastor exists now for teaching and shepherding the church and should be viewed as such.  However, many church attendees overemphasize the role of the pastor in their own personal relationship with Jesus.  
• 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 overemphasizing your pastors' role in your personal relationship with Jesus.  Claim the promise that you can approach Jesus with confidence (directly).  Support your lead pastor and church leadership.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and I know I can approach You directly and with confidence.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out for me daily.  I know these never cease.  I am not deserving.  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 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.