Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine. Numbers 8:14
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 8:5-22, we see the Lord give instructions to Moses to cleanse the Levites and consecrate them for service in the Tent of Meeting. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God alone cleanses people from sin - we must go to Him. We no longer perform all the ritual washings, sacrifices, and rites per the first covenant as with the second covenant based on Jesus' shed blood, we simply go before God, confess our sin and ask for forgiveness and repent/turn to him. God also seeks for His people to be set apart - to be a light in world filled with sin and darkness. He is holy so He seeks for His people to be holy. Believers are also set apart for a purposed designed by Him - to be used in His service. In this case it is the Levites as the priesthood in the Tent of Meeting, but with the second covenant, all believers are used in His service.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The text refers to the Levites as belonging to God (vv4, 17). All believers belong to God as we've been redeemed and purchased through the shed blood of Jesus - see also 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Corinthians 7:23. As such, our lives should be lived in His service - just as the Levites served to intercede on behalf of Israel to God (v19), we exist to glorify God.
- 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 the earthly influences that can drag into a life of sin and darkness. Claim the promise that God offers forgiveness and freedom from the sting of sin and death. Follow the example of the many in scripture who lived to serve and bring glory to Him. Be holy because He is holy.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves, and You purchased me and all believers with Your shed blood. You offer freedom from the sting of sin and death. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You save. My sin is great and it continues....daily. Help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn 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, energy 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.
