We Are Different

“Then the Tabernacle, carried by the Levites, will set out from the middle of the camp. All the tribes are to travel in the same order that they camp, each in position under the appropriate family banner. [Numbers 2.17] 

What is interesting are all the references to the tribe of Levi, the priests. It is particularly interesting in light of the fact that John the Revelator recorded the following two statements about the Church:

He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. [Revelation 1.6]

And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” [Revelation 5.10]

It is also interesting that the Levites were designated to serve in all things "Tabernacle." So significant was their role in everything pertaining to the Tabernacle that anyone else who got too close to the Tabernacle was to be put to death. 

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Call forward the tribe of Levi, and present them to Aaron the priest to serve as his assistants. They will serve Aaron and the whole community, performing their sacred duties in and around the Tabernacle. They will also maintain all the furnishings of the sacred tent, serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of all the Israelites. Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons. They have been given from among all the people of Israel to serve as their assistants. Appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood. But any unauthorized person who goes too near the sanctuary must be put to death.” [Numbers 3.5-10]

The priests traveled in the middle of the other tribes. They were "in there" but not the same as the rest of Israel just like genuine believers in Jesus are "in there" today but not the same as the rest.

“Then the Tabernacle, carried by the Levites, will set out from the middle of the camp. All the tribes are to travel in the same order that they camp, each in position under the appropriate family banner. [Numbers 2.17]

Little "nuggets" of allegorical associations could be noted all day long, however, if we fail to see the priesthood as our real calling in the earth today, we will have missed the point. Priests are "set apart." Priests are "servants" in everything that is holy. Priests are intercessors. Priests exist to reconcile people unto God as Jesus led the way. Priests are the do-ers of the work of ministry bearing fruit unto the kingdom. Priests' lives are not their own. Priests are different.

Of all who are called by Christ, only those who take the priesthood aspect of so doing (bearing fruit) are the chosen.

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. [John 15.16]

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14] 

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” [Matthew 22.14] 

So serious was Jesus on this matter that He demanded this of His true followers:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [Matthew 16.24]

It might be understood why Jesus called us to the cross was because it was from there that He entered the Temple as a priest and tore the veil opening the way for people to come to God. So it remains from the cross that we as priests lead people to God! No, it may not be what we want to do, but it is what we are called to do if we are to effectively show the world Jesus. Being religious instead of taking up our cross and following Jesus is the difference between being called and being chosen.

As uneventful as today's One Year Chronological Bible reading seems to be, there remains some serious food for thought for those whom Jesus has made a Kingdom of priests for God his Father! We are different.

Father, help me to understand and remain mindful that, as a believer in Jesus, I have been called to be set apart. Help me to see that I can only open the way for people to know You the same way Jesus opened the way for people to know You - from the cross - because Jesus is the only way! So be it.