Slices
Prepare
Have you ever been chosen for a specific role? How did it make you feel? What did you do in preparation for this role?
Bible passage
The Levites
3 This is the account of the family of Aaron and Moses at the time the Lord spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai.
2 The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 3 Those were the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. 4 Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorised fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
5 The Lord said to Moses, 6 ‘Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. 7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the tent of meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle. 8 They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. 9 Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.[a] 10 Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.’
11 The Lord also said to Moses, 12 ‘I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, 13 for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.’
Explore
An extract from the memoirs of Pagiel, the eldest son of Okran, an Asherite: It is an interesting thing being the eldest son. There are special privileges: I inherited a double portion of our family’s wealth, and the role of leader of the family, when my father died. But there are also responsibilities – God claims every firstborn son as his own.
I was very nervous that night a year ago, when God swept through the land of Egypt killing every firstborn son. I knew we had followed God’s instructions and covered our doorframes with blood, but even so it was a great relief to survive!
However, as we prepared to journey across the wilderness to the land God had promised us, God announced a new plan. Rather than taking each of the eldest sons to be dedicated to his service, God took one whole tribe to be our substitute (v 12). Having the Levites as my substitute gives me freedom to fulfil my family responsibilities, and continue developing the business my father started, rather than taking time off regularly to look after the tabernacle. This seems a very practical solution.
Respond
As Christians, we too have the experience of someone being substituted for us! Reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:14,15. What does it mean for you that Jesus is your substitute?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Nehemiah 11,12; Luke 9
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the final two months of the south region’s mission equipping course in partnership with South West Youth Ministries (SWYM). Pray that the participants will apply learning with wisdom and courage and for Anna and Prince as they lead the course.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
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