Numbers 8:1-4  Moses received from the Lord a new bit of information about the seven lamp stands placed in the tabernacle... "When you mount the lamps, the seven lamps with give light in the front of the lamp stand."  As this was the only light inside the tabernacle it was the responsibility of the priests to keep the lamps burning at all times. They already knew this.. so maybe this was a simple correction to assure that the light was directed to the front of the room, and not to the walls or the back.  We know that the Lord Jesus is the Light of the World.. and that because of Him we are called to be "light"  also..  We are taught to walk in the Light.. to shine our light into the darkness.. but this passage makes me think.. do we shine our lights towards the front... towards what lies ahead.. towards the eternal Hope we have in Christ Jesus?  Or are we trying to shine a light on the past.. trying to expose the past.. trying in vain to uncover what must be left behind?  Just a thought... something I need to  think on a bit more.. 

The rest of this chapter (v5-26) deals with the preparation and the dedication of the Levites before they begin "to perform the service of the Lord"..  Again the Lord proclaims that the Levites are His! They are cleansed and then an atonement offering is presented.  The Levites themselves are brought before the Lord as a "wave offering".  They are a separate group .. chosen by the Lord as His own to serve in the tent of meeting. 

Something else interesting about the Levites is that they began serving at the age of 25 and retired at the age of 50.  This was hard work.. carrying the tent, the furniture, and all of the framework of the tent and the tabernacle.  It was heavy work.  It was continual work.  And most of all,.. it was sacred work.  Everything had to be done exactly as the Lord required.. the penalty for touching  or even looking at the sacred ark etc.. was death.  It was both a privilege to serve the Lord and a great responsibility too. 

Once a Levite turned 50 and retired they could still "assist their brothers".  They became teachers and helpers to those younger who were now responsible for the work.  But, they would no longer do the work they did before. 

Once again we see how completely thorough God's plans are.. He directs every detail and makes a clear path for those involved in serving Him..  This gives me encouragement.. that His plans for me are just as thorough and that He directs my path forward with His Light.  He gives me the privilege to serve Him and He also gives me responsibilities that are designed just for me.  He has given me a time in my life to do the work.. and also a time when I become the mentor and helper for those younger than me.  His ways are perfect for me.. and will continue to lead me towards His final and eternal destination that He has prepared for me.. Praise God for His many blessings!

Father in heaven, You are good and You are perfect.  Your plans are unique for each of Your servants.. we are not all called to the same duties.. but we are all called to serve You.. for You have made us Your own. We are so thankful!  Help us, Father, to do Your will and to serve You with whole hearts and willing minds. Be glorified in us, Your people, today, Lord.  We come to You in the Name of Jesus.. the Coming One.. let His name be lifted up in us today as we shine forth His Light into the dark world. Amen.