The calling of the Levites as described in verse 8 really strikes me. Moses said,
At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the Lord’s covenant, to stand before the Lord to serve him, and to pronounce blessings in his name, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 10:8)
How does this apply to us in the modern day?
The ark of the covenant was a symbol of God’s presence. And just as the Levites carried with them the presence of God, we as Christians do the same.
But we have something even better than an ark. God the Holy Spirit actually dwells within us. And everywhere we go, people should see Him in us.
The Levites were to stand before the Lord to serve him. The picture there is of a servant standing at his master’s side, just waiting for his command.
That is the attitude we are to have every moment of every day. We are to have eyes and ears turned to our Lord, remembering that we are not doing mere ordinary work. We are serving the King, doing kingdom work.
Finally, we are to bless people in His name.
What does that mean? More than anything else, it means bringing people into the presence of God.
Again, God dwells in us. And our words and our actions as we interact with them should bring them into contact with the living God.
Do mine? I hope so.
But there are many times I fail in that. There are also times I fail to hear my Lord’s direction and commands.
Lord, you have set me apart for yourself. Forgive me for the times I have failed you. Thank you for your grace that picks me up.
Give me eyes to see what you’re doing around me, and ears to hear what you want me to do.
Let others see you in me, and may they too come to know the blessing that comes from being in your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 