Scripture:
Numbers 3:11-13; 44-45 ESV
[11] And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [12] “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the people of Israel. The Levites shall be mine, [13] for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the firstborn in Israel, both of man and of beast. They shall be mine: I am the Lord.”
[44] And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [45] “Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the people of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle. The Levites shall be mine: I am the Lord.
Observation:
I have heard it said and believe it to be true that the Old Testament is a picture of the New Testament and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I hope to show you this again and again as we take this trip through the bible. So let me do my best to explain what I see in this scripture. The LORD GOD YAHWEH had laid claim to all firstborn children at the first Passover. Let’s take a quick look back so we can see it for ourselves. The last and final plague that swept through Egypt involved placing the blood of a spotless lamb over your doorway (a picture of the blood of Jesus) when the angle of death swept through the land. It would see the blood and Passover that house. A substitute for the firstborn son. So now we see that GOD had laid claim to the firstborn. Fast forward to this scripture. GOD has in a sense called the Levites as priests in replacement of or substitution for every firstborn. They were a tribe set apart for the work of the ministry.
Application:
So now the interesting part. How does all this apply to us and where do we go with it? I believe that if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ you have a circle of influence. That circle of influence is the ministry GOD HIMSELF has placed you over. So let’s take a look at the substitution Jesus Christ gave HIS life on the cross in place of you. I know exactly what I deserve. 3 nails and 2 pieces of wood and a very painful death, but Jesus paid that debt for me… and you. Now let me ask you did HE go through all that just so you would come to church… no HE didn’t. HE paid the price for you so that you could tell others HE paid the price for you so that they would know that HE paid the price for them as well. GOD has selected you, and given you influence to the people around you. HE has substituted HIS first-born son because HE wanted YOU to know HIM to live for HIM and most of all to speak about HIM. Just a quick rabbit trail the Holy Spirit’s job is not only to guide us in all HIS ways but also to enable us to speak boldly for and about Jesus. My question today is what are you doing with the influence GOD gave you? Are you leading people to the cross or pushing them away from it?
Prayer:
Father, we want our lives to reflect your firstborn son. We know that it is through the price HE paid that you have adopted us into your family. We can’t thank you enough for the salvation that you have given us. We pray only that we are found using what you gave us to further build your kingdom. Let us use the influence you gave us in a positive manner. So that others may see Christ in us. I thank you for every S.O.A.P. You give me and pray that you use them to mold and shape the hearts of those who find time to read them. I know that your word will produce the fruit you intend for it and I thank you allowing me to be a small part of that. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.