Feb. 18, 2021
As Israel moves from Mount Sinai to the Jordan Valley, the Lord is preparing them for a war of conquest. The census of the Levites records those who are responsible for ministering at the tabernacle and guarding its holiness.
The Levites served a special purpose within Israel; they took the place of the firstborn males of other tribes in service to the Lord. In the tenth plague, every firstborn Egyptian male died while the Israelite boys were passed over. Afterward, all Israelite firstborn boys were dedicated in service to God. “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.” (Exodus 13:2)
But after the golden calf rebellion in Exodus 32, the Levites replaced the firstborn boys of the other tribes as servants of the Lord. The priests and Levites serve as mediators between the Lord and Israel so that his holy presence can dwell in the midst of his people.
“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,” - Numbers 3:12
The first half of the Gospel of Mark is arranged to prove the authority of Jesus. In his early ministry, Jesus shows his authority over the demonic world, sickness, and his authoritative teaching.
When an unclean spirit attempts to resist and exercise power over Jesus, He rebukes the spirit and commands him to be silent. Casting out this demon reinforces Jesus’ authority to teach by showing that God’s presence is with him.
Jesus demonstrates His authority over sickness by healing Peter’s mother-in-law, many with various diseases, and a leper. The leper would have been ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:45-46). But rather than making him unclean, Jesus’ power and love are strong enough to reverse the curse and make the leper clean.
“And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” - Mark 1:27
Make It Personal
- The New Testament says that we are co-heirs with Christ as the firstborn of all creation. What does it mean to you to serve the Lord? How can you administer the love of God to the world around you?
- How has Jesus’ love, power, and authority changed your life? Where has he touched your uncleanness and made you clean?
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Everything you need to know about Numbers.