"According to the commandment of the Lord through Moses they were listed, each one with his task of serving or carrying. Thus they were listed by him, as the Lord commanded Moses."
Numbers 4:49
The Levites were assigned, each by name, to a specific task in the Tabernacle as the people of Israel made their way through the wilderness toward the Land that God had promised to give them. The task assigned might have seemed trivial: carrying one corner of a piece of furniture or being one of fifty or so assigned to carry the rolled-up tent curtains of the Tabernacle. But each task was necessary and without it the Tabernacle would not arrive to be set up at the next stop along the way.
Each family was assigned its place in the order of march, whenever the entire nation had to break camp and set out again. If one household was not in their place, they would immediately be missed because their spot in the line was empty. God designed all these details so that no one would be left behind.
God has organized His Kingdom on earth in local congregations. Within the congregation we each have a role, a task, a ministry to perform. We travel this wilderness together, each watching out for the other. When one is missing, we notice. When one falters, the others are there to help.
Being a part of the local church is God’s design for our protection, guidance and mutual help as we continue our journey toward the Home He has promised us. No matter how small your part in the congregation may seem to you, embrace it. Be faithful in it. Watch out for the ones next to you and strengthen their hands along the way. By God’s grace we’ll get there together.
If you haven’t found your place in a local congregation yet, don’t wait any longer. By God’s design, the local congregation is the visible form of the Kingdom of God on earth. Take your place in it and walk with us. It’s God’s way of keeping us all on track and helping one another along the way as we continue our journey Home.
Lord Jesus, thank You for leading me to my local church. Thank You for the role You have given to me in it. Help me to be faithful in my place in this congregation, whatever You assign to me, as we travel together. Let Your Kingdom come and be seen in this place, in my life, in our congregation. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles
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