Numbers
chapter 18 provides greater detail into the separation of roles
between the priests and the Levites. Remember Aaron was from the
tribe of Levi, but only Aaron and his sons were chosen to be priests.
God said to Aaron, “You
and your sons alone are to bear the responsibility for offenses
against the priesthood“.
He continues, “The
Levites… are responsible to you… They must not go near the
furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar or both they and you will
die“.
The role of priest is unique because God is holy and the things of
God are holy. The instruction continues, “I
Myself have selected your fellow Levites… as a gift to you,
dedicated to the Lord to do work in the Tent of Meeting. But only
you and your sons may serve as priests… anyone else that comes near
the sanctuary must be put to death.”
We sometimes trivialize the righteousness of God. We embrace the
scripture that encourages believers to “Come
boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find
grace to help in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:16) But we must also be mindful that our access to God
almighty is ONLY through the blood of Christ. “We
have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
once for all“.
Next,
God explains the use of offerings given by the people. “I
Myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to Me; all
of the holy offerings the Israelites give to Me, I give to you and
your sons as your portion“.
Notice the offerings are given to God and God gave them to the
priests. As discussed in earlier chapters, some portions of the
sacrifices were for God alone, some were for the priests alone to
share in, and still other portions were for the priests and their
families to share. “All
of the lands first fruits that they bring to the Lord will be yours.
Everyone in your household that is ceremonially clean may eat it.”
God explains that the Promised Land will be divided among the
Nation, but “you
will have no inheritance in their land… I am your share and your
inheritance“.
The priests had no land to work so they could dedicate themselves to
the work of God. But He also promises, “I
give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in
return for the work they do while serving.”
For balance God also requires the priests to give, “When
you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your
inheritance, you must also present a tenth of that tithe as the
Lord’s offering… the best and holiest part of everything given to
you.“
I
believe that scripture is clear; we are to give today as well. We
are not under the requirements of the Law, but tithing was practiced
before the Law was established. Our giving should be out of gratitude
rather than as an obligation. Giving is an act of worship and an act
of submission in which we acknowledge all that we have comes from
God. As always, God looks at our attitude. I love the story of the
widow in Luke chapter 21. “And
he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into
the treasury. And he saw a certain poor widow casting in her two
copper coins. And he said, I tell you the truth. This poor women
has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their
gifts out of their wealth; but she of her poverty put in all that she
had to live on.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 explains our responsibility to give this way; “So
let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of
necessity; for
God
loves a cheerful giver.”