This week I was reading the book of Numbers. I came to chapter 4 and I read how God instructed Moses and Aaron regarding the various work that needed to be done by the members of the tribe of Levi. Remember the Levites were chosen by God to care for the tabernacle as they traveled through the wilderness. In chapter 4 the Lord is laying out a “job description” for the various clans and families of the tribes of Levi. I found a portion of scripture that caught my attention. Here it is
Numbers 4:24-26 (NLT) – “These Gershonite clans will be responsible for general service and carrying loads. They must carry the curtains of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle itself with its coverings, the outer covering of fine goatskin leather, and the curtain for the Tabernacle entrance. They are also to carry the curtains for the courtyard walls that surround the Tabernacle and altar, the curtain across the courtyard entrance, the ropes, and all the equipment related to their use. The Gershonites are responsible for all these items.”
After reading this, I almost broke out in laughter. How many of us would have wanted to be a Gershonite? Seriously … think about it! A few weeks ago, in a Sunday service, I spoke about the fiery cloud that guided the Israelites through the wilderness. Remember? They traveled from spot to spot. The tabernacle was the “center” of their campsite. The duration of their stay depended upon God’s leading. Numbers 9:22 (NLT) – “Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on.” So, the Gershonite clan was responsible for carrying the tabernacle from one campsite to another. Can you imagine carrying that load to one spot and then having to carry it to another location the next day? Wow!
I wonder if any men in the Gershonite clan got discouraged? “Are we moving again? Are you serious?” Maybe some of them thought their job was too boring or unimportant.
I will have to admit, there have been MANY times when my job here at church meant I had to carry something … or move something … over and over and over again. My back, shoulders, and every other part of my body would ache. It would be easy for me to say, “Let someone else do it! Can we get someone younger? Caleb, you do it!” In all honesty, over 36 years of full-time ministry … I have moved a lot of tables and chairs … and I do mean A LOT!
The success of our service … no matter how mundane or small … is that we understand that what we are doing … is our service to God and His church! I imagine someone in the Gershonite clan was telling the others … “God has given us this task. He is counting on us to do our part! Moses and Aaron need us to do our part! The rest of the tribes need us to do our part! So, let’s get it done!”
Do you have an assigned task from God? Are you doing your part? Hopefully, you are not looking around for someone else to “carry” your load. God has given that task to you! Don’t you dare excuse its importance or relevance to the Kingdom! If God gave it to you … He wants it done! I pray that you are doing your part.
Have a good week! I have to move a few tables and chairs before the Women come in tomorrow.
