21The Lord said to Moses,
22"Take a census also of the Gershonites by their families and clans.
23Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. - P130
29"Count the Merarites by their clans and families.
30Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.
31As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases, - P131
God instructs Moses to count the Gershonites and Merarites, assigning themspecific duties related to the tabernacle. The Gershonites are responsible fortransporting the tent, coverings, and hangings, while the Merarites handle theframes, pillars, and bases. Each family is given detailed instructions on theirtasks to ensure proper care and transportation of the tabernacle. - P131
God assigns us specific responsibilities in His church and sometimes, like the Gershonites, our responsibilities may require us to work ahead of everyone else. Rather than resenting having to begin earlier or do more than others, we should remember that God does not need our service but accepts it as part of our worship. - P132
It is an honor to participate in God’s work of building up His people. Let us take pride in our responsibilities and be eager to carry them out! - P132
Once again, God instructs Moses to "assign to each man the specific things he is to carry" (v. 32) This is significant because, unlike the Gershonites, who are assigned duties as a group, the Merarites are assigned specific tasks as individuals. - P132
When we are assigned specific, individual responsibilities, fulfilling them becomes all the more important for the life of the community. We may be assigned seemingly small tasks, like carrying a piece of rope, or the heaviest tasks, like carrying a post. Either way, each of our tasks is meaningful to God when done faithfully in His service. - P132
At this camp, however,
leadership was shared. Each person took responsibility for their tasks, andthere was no pressure on any single individual. Everyone embraced theirrole, and there was no judgment when things did not go perfectly. Thecamp was filled with joy, and by the end, everyone felt a sense of unity andaccomplishment.
This experience was deeply healing for me. It reminded me that, as mem-bers of the body of Christ, we all have a unique role to play. - P133
We don‘t needto compare ourselves to others or judge their shortcomings or even ourown. When we faithfully do our part as God has called us to, He will useour teamwork for His glory, taking each of our efforts and weaving themtogether into something beautiful. - P133
Let us not reject or feel weighed downby the work God has given us; instead, let us find joy in the honor of beingpart of His masterpiece! - P133
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me a specific task in building up Your people. - P133
When I feel burdened by the weight of serving those around me, remind me of the joy of serving You. Let every act of service I carry out be worship to You. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P133
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