December 31, 2024

Passage Read: Leviticus 27 - Numbers 3
Meditation Verse: Numbers 3:9

Thought

All the firstborn males in Israel belonged to the Lord, that meant they were supposed to be dedicated to His service. That was to be their vocation, though since it wasn't all-consuming work and there would be a multiplying of their numbers, the tasks could be spread across more and more people, leaving increasing time to do other things. Still it meant that they had the responsibility to serve the Lord in His temple, any and all tasks not reserved for the priests, whatever the priests needed them to do. They had no choice in the matter; God declared His ownership of them at the original Passover. However, He exchanged the firstborn for the tribe of Levi, releasing the firstborn males from this obligation, but obligating a whole tribe to serve their brothers, the priests. A whole tribe was now devoted to the Lord's service as their primary responsibility in life. No choice; they needed to jump when they were called and serve as they were directed.

Application

What a reminder that my life is not my own. If God appoints me to a task, I have no choice in the matter. I can be bitter about it, if there's something else I'd rather do, or I can recognize the honor that I've been given and give myself wholeheartedly to it. Indeed, nowadays, being wholly devoted to the service of the Lord is no longer exclusive to a family or a tribe. Anyone can give themselves wholly in service to the Lord. The honor is open to anyone who would give up their lives to follow Jesus.