Don’t Trust in the Strength of Man

Bible Reading

• Numbers 18
• Psalm 33

Some would say that the Levites got a bit of a “raw” deal from God. While the rest of Israel could enjoy having possessions in land and livestock, God had told Aaron that “You priests will receive no allotment of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I am your share and your allotment.” (Num 18:20). How can you live on that? But, in many ways, those of us in full time Christian ministry, are in the same boat. God has called us to be fully devoted to Him! To not worry about the day to day things of food and clothing, but to seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). Actually those words weren’t just spoken to the priests, but to all. 

But, for the priests when God set up the Levitical system, he made provision for those whom he “employed” in the service of the Tabernacle. In fact, in Num 18:21 He says, “As for the tribe of Levi, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel.”

What were the “tithes from the land of Isreal?” Well, Numbers 18:10 said, “You are allotted the portion of the most holy offerings that is not burned on the fire. This portion of all the most holy offerings—including the grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings—will be most holy, and it belongs to you and your sons.” He continues in Num 18:12-13 “I also give you the harvest gifts brought by the people as offerings to the Lord—the best of the olive oil, new wine, and grain. All the first crops of their land that the people present to the Lord belong to you. Any member of your family who is ceremonially clean may eat this food.”

The tithes and offerings from the land of Israel was the BEST grain, the BEST oil, the BEST of the sheep and the goats. The offerings were supposed to be the very best. And that is what God said would be the “compensation” the Levites received!

This illustrates God’s desire to provide for those whom He calls into full time service for Him! At the end of this chapter, he gives one caveat for those who live by this means, (Numbers 18:32) But be careful not to treat the holy gifts of the people of Israel as though they were common.”

This is a reminder to me today, as well as my children who are just starting this journey of raising support to become one of those God has called into his full time service. This was God’s design. He intends to provide for those He has set aside for His work. But, we need to trust Him for that, and not trust in ourself and our ability but that we you put your hope in God alone (Ps 33:22). David said, Ps 33:16-17 even “The best-equipped troop cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory— for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.”  

For those who are not called to full time service, God has designed His church to function like Israel in the sense of providing for those He calls. Just like the Levites portion was the BEST grain, the BEST oil, the BEST of the sheep, in the same way, God desires to supply for those in God’s service.

Ps 33:4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He promises to provide for those who serve him (2 Cor 9:8). I pray for faith for myself, and my children, to trust Him through his process, and that as their faith is tested, that it will come out more genuine and with more confidence in you. (1 Peter 1:6-7) I pray the same will be true of those who God is challenging to give sacrificially, that He will produce more genuine faith in you also.