Numbers 18:7 …I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift….
In Numbers 18, God shows the priests and Levites that the priesthood is a gift. By virtue of their office and service to God, God gives them access to the gifts given to Him. Much is asked of them, but He gives them much in return.
Numbers 18:9 You are to have the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the fire…
Numbers 18 puts me in mind of the story of the prodigal son. When the prodigal returns, the father kills the fattened calf to celebrate, and the older son, the one who remained faithful, is jealous. But the father says, “My son…you are always with me, and everything I have is yours” (Luke 15:31). Being in God’s presence is a gift and allows us access to Him—His love, mercy, grace—for longer than just a single celebration.
Numbers 18:12 “I give you all the finest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain they give the LORD as the first fruits of their harvest.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the reminder that to be in a loving relationship with You is a precious gift, which grants us access to Your throne, Your presence, Your mercy. Help us to live as children of the One True King. Draw us closer. Amen.
Numbers 18:14 “Everything in Israel that is devoted to the LORD is yours.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.