Take The Levites Instead

by W. Fraser Naismith (Scotland)

Numbers 3.45

The nation of Israel was divided thus: A large company, males of 20 years old and upwards; they were the Warriors. A smaller company composed of one tribe, viz. Levi, and they were the Workers. Then there was the smallest company of all embracing one family — Aaron and his sons, and they were Worshippers.

The tribe of Levi was brought near, Num.3.6. One can readily appreciate that a people at a distance could not possibly serve the Lord suitably. They were presented before Aaron, the priest, that they might minister to him. The believer today has been brought nigh, from the place of distance, by the precious blood of Christ, and been presented by the Father to Christ, Jn.17.6.

Levi's Selection

This tribe was chosen instead of the firstborn. God had claimed every firstborn as His, and such were accepted on the ground of redemption. There is not only the evidence of Divine sovereignty but also of Divine possession, for, said Jehovah, "They shall be Mine." Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a ‘first-born one’ (in Heb.12.23 the noun is in the plural and refers to the redeemed — ‘first-born ones’). Paul's words are true — "ye are not your own," 1Cor.6.19 — for we have been bought and redeemed. We have been the objects of divine election before we had a being: compare Ps.139.16 with Eph.1.4. Election is the sovereign act of God: we had neither voice nor choice in that matter, otherwise it could not be His election.

Levi's Separation

The Levites represented the congregation of Israel and acted for them. They were connected with the High Priest subjectively; that is, they were in a position where they had to obey. If we would serve the Lord Christ acceptably we must first know His salvation — the redemption which is in Christ Jesus — then our wills must be subordinate to His. We would follow the example of the Perfect Servant who said "Not My will, but Thine be done." Levi was separated to God; yet, in an interesting manner, connected with all Israel, Num.8.6-14. The moral ground of Levi's title to serve the Lord may be seen by examining the blessing of Moses upon that tribe, Deut.33.8-11. It was threefold: not to see their parents; not to know their children; and not to acknowledge their brethren. In other words, all natural claims had to be set aside while the things of Jehovah were given paramount place in their lives. How aptly this applies to the many servants of the Lord who have gone to lands afar to declare the Glad Tidings!

Levi's Sanctification

Moses, representing the claims of Jehovah, sprinkled water of purifying upon them, Num.8.7-22. Water symbolises a number of things in Holy Writ; sometimes it signifies the Word of God. It was befitting that the thing which typified the Word of God should be applied to them. Then a razor was used to remove the growth of nature: for there can be no place for the flesh in the things of the Lord. Then the garments had to be washed; and this would suggest that the habits have to be cleansed, for only a person who knows what it is to be crucified with Christ can effectively preach a crucified Christ. After that, a young bullock with his meal offering, and a young bullock for a sin offering, were taken and presented to God. The meal offering, composed of fine flour and oil, eloquently speaks of Christ and the Spirit — the Lord Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost and was anointed with the Holy Ghost in view of the service in which He would engage for God, His Father. He was "justified in the Spirit." One bullock was for a burnt offering, v12, and this typifies that perfect life given up wholly for God. The other bullock was for a sin offering, and denotes that life given up on our behalf.

Levi's Support

The words of Num.18 are addressed to Aaron, who typifies Christ in many ways. Aaron was the High Priest in Israel, while Christ is become a High Priest of good things to come. V2 shows us the tribe of Levi in relationship to Aaron and they are spoken of as "thy brethren." Our blessed Lord is "not ashamed to call them (us) brethren," Heb.2.11. The Levite was "joined unto thee," signifying the union which has been made and which is indissoluble; nor can all the changes of time impair it, Jn.17.21. The Levite was "to minister unto thee," symbolising that activity in which we engage today as we would serve God. One can readily appreciate that external service should never be severed from the priesthood that enters inside the sanctuary. Service outside is dependent upon the activities of Christ within; for His words are ever true, "Without Me ye can do nothing." In Num.18.9-19 God indicated the priestly position in the camp of Israel; they had their portion from specified offerings, and they ate the shewbread. In v20-24 we are informed what the Levite's position was, and how God had ordained that the tithes of the people would be for their support and sustenance. The priests fed from within, while the Levites fed from without; yet both received their portion from Jehovah. When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians he had in mind this passage in Num.18. The Levite, who ministered about holy things, lived of such things; while the priest, who waited at the altar, was a partaker with the altar, 1Cor.9.13.

In 1Cor.16.2 the Holy Spirit gives guidance as to our giving; we have to ‘lay by’ as God has prospered us. It may be some of us will blush for shame at the Day of Review when our givings are examined in the light of our prosperity! Who ordains and sends forth to serve? The Lord Himself, as indicated in Mk.3.14 and 6.7!

Christ, the Son of God, has sent me
Through the midnight lands:
Mine the mighty ordination
Of the pierced hands.

(From Ter Steegen's Poems).

Locality makes no difference so far as the servant is concerned. Assemblies do not control the servant and his activities for the Lord. He is responsible to the Lord alone, and shall give account to Him for the manner in which he has used or abused his opportunities. Though the assemblies do not control the servant they have a responsibility towards those who serve the Lord, as Paul indicated in 1Cor.9.11: "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?" And again, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service," 2Cor.11.8. There is a principle enunciated to which we would do well to take heed, viz., "To do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased," Heb.13.16.

May the Lord be pleased to teach to us our responsibility towards the Levites — those who serve the Lord Christ, at this present moment!