"And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the Lord, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation" (Numbers 18:6).

God knew that the high priest, Aaron, and his two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, could not do the heavy work associated with the sacrificial system of the tabernacle alone. Thus He commanded Moses, "Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him" (Numbers 3:6). The Levites were to be assistants, aiding Aaron in the service of the tabernacle. These individuals were beautifully described "as a gift for the Lord" (above text). They were called to serve, with their service being looked upon by God as a precious gift. Even though the calling of Aaron and the Levites differed in a number of ways, their unity of service brought glory to God.

Even so it is today. All believers belong to the Church, the Body of Christ. "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (I Corinthians 12:27). All members are necessary, but not all members hold the same office. Some, like Aaron, are given the special calling to be missionaries, evangelists, or pastor/teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Others, like the Levites, are called to serve, in whatever way possible, in the local church; aiding and assisting those "that have the rule over you" (Hebrews 13:17). But together, this unity of service should produce a great efficiency to the Body of Christ. "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16).

It is indeed a great privilege to be considered "a gift for the Lord" to do service for Him. NPS