1The Lord said to Aaron, "You, your sons and your family are to bear the responsibility for offenses connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons alone are to bear the responsibility for offenses connected with the priesthood. - P26
8Then the Lord said to Aaron, "I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion, your perpetual share.
9You are to have the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the fire. From all the gifts they bring me as most holy offerings, whether grain or sin or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons.
10Eat it as something most holy; every male shall eat it. You must regard it as holy.
- P27
14"Everything in Israel that is devoted to the Lord is yours.
15The first offspring of every womb, both human and animal, that is offered to the Lord is yours. But you must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.
- P28
19Whatever is set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to the Lord I give to you and your sons and daughters as your perpetual share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord for both you and your offspring."
20The Lord said to Aaron, "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.
- P29
God gives Aaron, the priests, and the Levites specific responsibilities for how to lead the people and serve Him in worship. The Levites join in the care of the tent of meeting, but only Aaron and his sons can serve as priests at the altar and inside the curtain because elaborate cleansing rituals are necessary to stand in the presence of the holy God. - P30
Today, we can freely approach the Lord because Christ shed His blood as the ultimate cleansing sacrifice. However, this does not mean that we should approach God without any care or consideration. - P30
We must take worship seriously because God is holy, and it is an immense privilege to stand and worship in His presence. - P30
Because Aaron and his sons have a special role among the Israelites, they do not receive an inheritance like everyone else. God defines Himself as their share and their inheritance, but this does not mean that they will not receive any tangible blessings. God grants them a portion of the offerings that the Israelites bring for Him, including the finest olive oil and the firstfruits of the harvest. - P30
God cares about the needs of those who lead in worship. Full-time ministers should be taken care of so that they can dedicate their time in service to God and His people. - P30
God knows the needs of His people, and He ensures that we all contribute to providing for one another. - P30
When we see God giving the firstfruits the best offerings to Aaron andthe Levites, we see that giving is an act of love that dignifies rather thandemeans the receiver. Those who lead others in serving God are called tomaintain a life of holiness and dedication to Him, and they receive gifts inaccordance with that calling. - P31
Today, I am truly grateful for all that our missionary family received inthose years. Many churches and individuals generously gave their time andresources as an offering to God, and I learned that, when you depend uponthe Lord, He will provide for your needs. - P31
May we recognize that providingfor the needs of those who are called to serve in full-time ministry is anopportunity to show the love of Jesus to those who faithfully lead us. - P31
Dear Lord, sometimes it is hard to give what I know You deserve to receive. Help me to see all of my possessions and resources as gifts to steward, and use them to serve You and bless others. In Your name, amen. - P31
God assigns Israel‘s tithes to the Levites as payment for their service in thetabernacle. The Levites are instructed to give a tenth of the tithes they receiveto the high priest as an offering. - P33
These tithes are the Lord‘s portion and theLevites may freely use the rest of their wages. - P33
"You must present as the LORD‘s portion the best and holiest part of everythinggiven to you."- Numbers 18:29 Praise Praise God for His generosity and His eagerness to give good gifts to His children.
Confession Examine your heart to see if there is any reluctance to give God the best of whatyou have. Confess it and receive His forgiveness. - P35
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