Priests

Then assemble the whole community of Israel, and present the Levites at the entrance of the Tabernacle. When you present the Levites before the LORD, the people of Israel must lay their hands on them. Raising his hands, Aaron must then present the Levites to the LORD as a special offering from the people of Israel, thus dedicating them to the LORD’s service. [Numbers 8.9-11]

There is so much symbolism in the Tabernacle and its ceremonial procedures and protocol!

When the people laid their hands on the Levites, they became the people's representatives. But, it was more even than that. They became the people's substitution - what they did from that point forward was on behalf of the people.

This is all very interesting because the New Testament calls us priests (who are believers) in 1 Peter 2.5:

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

This just further drives home to me the fact that our role in Christianity is about "others." As long as we are concerned only for ourselves, we have yet to understand the life and testimony of Jesus Christ.

Father, help me to fully comprehend my role in Your Kingdom. Help me to fully understand that my life is not my own. Help me to embrace others as You have embraced me.