Numbers 4:1-5:31
Mark 12:18-37
Psalm 48:1-14
Proverbs 10:26
Numbers4:4 “The duties of the Kohathites at the Tabernacle will relate to the most sacred objects.
16 “Eleazar son of Aaron the priest will be responsible for the oil of the lampstand, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil.
24 “These Gershonite clans will be responsible for general service and carrying loads.
31 “Their only duty at the Tabernacle will be to carry loads. They will carry the frames of the Tabernacle, the crossbars, the posts, and the bases; 32 also the posts for the courtyard walls with their bases, pegs, and ropes; and all the accessories and everything else related to their use. Assign the various loads to each man by name. 33 So these are the duties of the Merarite clans at the Tabernacle.
Each Levite tribe had specific jobs they were to do. It was very specific and non-negotiable. By limiting each clan to specific jobs I would think there would be less chance of something being missed or done wrong. They were to specialize. We just had a lunch in learn about spiritual gifts in church on Sunday. This makes me think of that. We see that God had given different clans different jobs. And they were the only ones able to perform those jobs as they were the priests. I would expect that He also gave them special ability to perform those jobs. Just as there are other examples of God giving special gifts for use in service to Him.
Exodus 35:30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.
He gave Bezalel and Oholiab gifts of the Spirit. They were also specialists. Specialists in different areas of "artistic designs" which included many tasks that they were responsible for. But they were also given the ability to "teach others". We see that some people were given multiple things to specialize in and some were given more limited areas to specialize in. These two men were given many skills but one of those skills was the ability to teach others in order that they did not have to do the work on their own.
Romans 12:4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
We too are given gifts and special ability to function in the body of Christ in specific ways. Everyone is given at least 1 spiritual gift. If you have one spiritual gift then you have been called to specialize. So seek God's will and discernment as to how you can best use that gift for the kingdom of God. I find that the more I grow in my relationship with Christ the more I identify more spiritual gifts and the more I am able to do. I think that the more we grow spiritually the more we are given to do but never without being given the skill to do it. Just as Jesus says in the parable of the talents. Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
I am grateful for my sister in Christ Marcy who a few years ago argued with God about her gifting as a teacher but came to trust in His word and provision because she is the one who taught our lunch and learn. Her obedience and obvious surrender to the Lord has allowed her to become like Bezalel and Oholiab teaching others. I prayer that through her humble spirit and obedience that You Lord will bless our church body with members that are just as humble and obedient to You. Please direct and guide each person that you have brought to her training to be able to serve in the body of Christ according to their spiritual gifts so that those who are doing many things don't have to continue to do it alone. May your Spirit lead our church and take us deeper than we could even imagine going on our own. Where we can trust you with a depth of faith that has no end so that You might do mighty things for your kingdom through a body humbly surrendered to You. Amen
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