Numbers 4   It is so interesting to read how the Lord organized and assigned the duties of the Levites in regard to the tent of meeting and tabernacle. The three clans of the sons of Levi were numbered and assigned to very specific duties.. 

The Kohathites were assigned to carry the most holy things.. the ark, the table of bread, the lampstand and all the utensils used in the Holy of holies.. But, they could not touch anything until Aaron and his sons went in and covered each piece with cloth, porpoise skins and in the case of the ark - the veil . Everything had poles that were used for carrying. Eleazar, Aaron's son carried the sacred oil, incense, and offerings himself and he took responsibility for all that the Kohathites  were assigned to do.  He was responsible for assigning each man his load and for making sure they didn't touch the most holy objects so that they didn't die. 

The Gershonites were assigned to serve by carrying all of the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting... all the screens and hangings and the cords and equipment for the  entire place.  Ithamar, the son of Aaron was given the responsibly for these men and assigned each one to a certain job. 

Ithamar was also responsible for the Merarites who were given the duty of carrying  the boards, pillars, bars and sockets and equipment for the skeleton of the tent and tabernacle. 

The men assigned to these tasks were between the ages of 30-50. They "were numbered, everyone by his serving or carrying; thus these were his numbered men, just as the Lord commanded Moses." 

What can we learn from this?  The Lord told Moses what to do.. Moses told Aaron and his sons.. and they told all the sons of Levi their specific duties.  The Lord gave them responsibilities and provided clear leadership.. from the top down... It is so practical and so specific that there would be no need for arguments or chaos.   The Lord leads us in the same manner.. Jesus Christ is the Head.. as I Corinthians 11 tells us.. " But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman ( wife), and God is the Head of Christ." Paul continues in chapter 12 teaching that we are "one body" but that the Holy Spirit distributes "to each one individually just as He wills."  Verse 18 "But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired."  and Verse 24 " But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to the member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. " 

As a church we have different "duties".. different "responsibilities".. we are meant to serve.. and for some that means we are called to "carry" whatever load the Lord gives to us.  The Kohathites were assigned to carry but were not permitted "to go in to see". I wonder if they were tempted to peek?  Are we sometimes wanting a different job than the one the Lord has given us to do?  Have we neglected our responsibilities to lead or to obey?  Have we forgotten to honor others or resent the honor that has been given to another? Perhaps, this chapter in the book of Numbers can give us encouragement to think about theses things.. to remember that God knows best..  

Father in heaven, thank You for being the Head.. for Christ who is the Head of all men.. for the privilege of serving You in the job You chosen for each of us as a member of one body.. one family.. to the glory of our God.  May we be faithful to the calling You have for each of us.  You have called us by name.. You have a plan that is perfect, practical, and beneficial to the whole body. May Your will be done we pray. amen.