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- Oct 26, 2007
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So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel; Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty. But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. Numbers 1:45-47
As the people of Israel were preparing to enter the Promised Land, God commanded a census be taken so that a standing army could be assembled. But the Levites were left out. Why? Because they were to be a priesthood for the tabernacle, set apart to the Lord for His use.
They were in place of all the "firstborns" that the Lord had already said were His. More than forty years earlier, before they crossed the Red Sea, God said, "Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites" (Numbers 3:41).
Peter declared to believers that "you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). He was telling you that you're His firstborn, with all the privileges and responsibilities that accompany that. You're allowed to bear His name in this world because you are set apart in Jesus.
Prayer: Father, You have included me in Christ as a firstborn. Help me to honor You by living a holy life.
As the people of Israel were preparing to enter the Promised Land, God commanded a census be taken so that a standing army could be assembled. But the Levites were left out. Why? Because they were to be a priesthood for the tabernacle, set apart to the Lord for His use.
They were in place of all the "firstborns" that the Lord had already said were His. More than forty years earlier, before they crossed the Red Sea, God said, "Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites" (Numbers 3:41).
Peter declared to believers that "you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). He was telling you that you're His firstborn, with all the privileges and responsibilities that accompany that. You're allowed to bear His name in this world because you are set apart in Jesus.
Prayer: Father, You have included me in Christ as a firstborn. Help me to honor You by living a holy life.
