Jobs of the Levites: Honoring God in Your Job

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the Tent of  Meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle.’”

Numbers 3:5-7

Dear Family & Friends,

We tend to put jobs into categories. For example, we label certain types of jobs blue-collar jobs. These are jobs that are hands-on and require some type of manual labor. White-collar jobs usually refer to business or office jobs where the dress code might be a little more formal.

Each of these classifications of jobs is needed and helps to make life as we know it run smoothly. One is not more prestigious or important than the other. The jobs of the Levites were a very hands-on job and benefited the whole community of Israel. God has made each of us with different gifts and talents, so no matter our job, we bless others and honor God by doing it well.

Packing For An Auction

Our company hosted a large real estate auction this past week in a neighboring town. Whenever our auctions are at another location it is my job to prepare all the equipment and paperwork we need to take with us. This is not an exciting job, but it is incredibly necessary. As I prepare, I rely heavily on my auction checklist because if we forget to bring even the smallest item the event becomes more difficult.

As I gathered our equipment and checked off my list the day before the auction, I thought about a passage of Scripture I had recently read. The book of Numbers tells us that while God’s people, the Israelites, were traveling through the Sinai desert, God appointed certain groups of men for particular jobs.

Jobs of the Levites in the Tabernacle

The tabernacle, the tent that was the center place of the whole nation because it housed God’s presence, needed careful attention. Not just anyone could enter this holy place. So, whenever God’s presence, represented by a cloud during the day and a fire during the night, indicated that it was time for the nation to relocate, someone had to pack up and transport the tabernacle and all its furnishings. So, God appointed groups of Levite men to be in charge of this big undertaking.

The Kohathites were responsible for the furniture including the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars and all the utensils. When the camp was on the move, these men had specific instructions about packing and transporting these most holy things.

The Gershonites were specifically appointed to carry all the curtains and coverings along with all the other equipment needed to set up the tent.

The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames, crossbars, posts and bases including the tent pegs and ropes. Each man was assigned specific things to carry.

These “blue collar” workers handled the manual transportation of the most important and central part of the nation of Israel. If they forgot a specific piece or handled it incorrectly there were large repercussions. Their job, while seeming monotonous and routine, was incredibly important.

All Jobs are a Privilege

As I filled tubs with auction items and set them in a pile to be loaded into the trailer I considered the life work of these chosen Levite men. I wondered if they ever got tired of taking down and setting up all the pieces of the Tent of Meeting. But then I realized that the jobs of the Levites, the care of the tabernacle, was a huge privilege given by God. The execution of the job blessed them and the whole community of Israel. This made me realize that the jobs each of us does are also an incredible privilege.

Do Your Best For the Lord

The mama who continually changes dirty diapers ministers to her precious babies.

The preacher who prepares weekly words of encouragement blesses his congregation.

The businessman who takes on heavy responsibilities lifts some burdens of life from his clients.

The postman who delivers the mail brings important information to the recipients.

And the girl who packs containers makes sure all the equipment is ready to go for a successful auction.

Bless Others and Please God

All of these and more provide for the well-being of others, so we should do them with joy knowing that our careful attention to our job blesses others and pleases God.

So, whether you wear a blue-collar, a white-collar, or no-collar, remember the jobs of the Levites, the care-takers of the Tabernacle. What you do is important, so do it well!

Love,

Mama

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