Numbers 8

Devotional:
And of all the Israelites, I have assigned the Levites to Aaron and his sons. They will serve in the Tabernacle on behalf of the Israelites and make sacrifices to purify the people so no plague will strike them when they approach the sanctuary.” (Numbers 8:19).

This chapter includes instructions on how to dedicate the Levites (the descendants of Levi) for their work of service in helping the priests: sprinkling them with water, shaving them with a razor, having their clothes washed, and placing their hands on animals to be sacrificed (vs. 5-13). It is a reminder that while the Levites might seem to offer very practical assistance to the priests, this was holy work that needed to be done with reverence and dedication – they helped the priests who offered sacrifices remove the sin from the people and keep them in relationship with God. We now have a Great High Priest, Jesus, who has sacrificed himself for us to pay atonement for our sins. We should similarly dedicate ourselves to this holy work of helping others be in relationship with God.

Pray it:
Father, thank you for calling me to the work of helping others know your love for them and the forgiveness that comes through Jesus. Help me remember my calling and to remain pure and dedicated to this work. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?