Today’s Reading: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27
Scripture: Numbers 7:6-9
6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, 8 and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
Observation: The Levites were the roadies for the Tabernacle. This was the semi-mobile temple-like structure that was the center of Jewish worship. Some of the Levites got carts. These were to be used to haul the various items that they were responsible for. But the Kohathites were not given any carts -- they had the job of carrying the holy things and holy articles from the tabernacle: the ark, the altar of incense, the table for the bread, and so forth. And these things had rings attached through which poles were inserted to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites. I'm sure that when the carts were given out, the Kohathites felt left out -- I mean everybody else got carts and they got none. Maybe some of the other Levites said, "ha-ha," poking fun at the Kohathites.
Application: But what struck me about this is what a great privilege the Kohathites had -- carrying the most precious, the most sacred things. It was a great trust that had been given to them. And it was on their strong shoulders that this responsibility would be borne.
Bottom line: God gives special weighty responsibilities to those whom He deems able to bear them. We can look at them as burdens or as honors which God allows us to bear in His name.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the burdens I bear as special marks of honor for You. May my attitude be one of joy and gratefulness for the entrustment of Your sacred duty.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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