Numbers 4:48-49, "Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore. According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses."

The LORD had assigned Moses with the task of appointing men between the ages of 30-50, from among the Levites "…to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation." (Numbers 4:3) Setting up, taking down, and transporting the tabernacle involved an immense amount of work and organization.  As a matter of fact, 8580 men were assigned to this particular task.  God gave specific instructions about how this would happen, and assigned various responsibilities from among those numbered men to accomplish His work. Remember, this is the book of Numbers, we’re told 2750 served from among the Kohathites (4:36), 2630 served from among the Gershonites (4:40), and 3,200 served from among the Merarites (4:44). These were real people, having real ministries, with real responsibilities, serving the Lord, a total of 8,580.

First, I want to get into the hearts and minds of those who do not serve the Lord.  I want to present to you a practical challenge, then a spiritual challenge.  If the church was dependent upon you to function, how would it be doing?  Would it be closed? Would it be limping along?  Would it be struggling to survive?  Many churches are in that condition, and it is primarily due to people being unwilling to serve the Lord.  Spiritually, the things of God need to take center stage in your life. We need a revival of loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Christ is to have the preeminence in our lives and hearts.  People who serve are people who love.

To those of you who are serving the Lord, I want to first commend you, but also challenge you. Thank you for having the heart to serve the Lord, it indicates something about your walk and relationship to Him. However, may I caution you to give God your best as you serve Him.  Make sure you are faithful in your service, make sure you are joyful in your service, and make sure you do your best in your service.  God deserves our best, and we need to take responsibility in showing others our love for Christ.

Please be dedicated enough to the Lord to serve Him. Ask your pastor what you can do to help accomplish the things of God in your local church, and then do it with all your heart.  Colossians 3:23-24, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Let's make serving the Lord one of our priorities and part of our Christian experience.

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.  Are you a person who serves the Lord regularly in your church or one who doesn't?

2. If you are currently not serving the Lord, is there a reason why?  Is your reason valid or just an excuse?

3. People need to take serving God seriously.  Within this devotion, what have your learned that will help you be a better servant of the Lord?

4. Would your church be more effective in reaching others, if you would begin serving the Lord?  How might God want to use you in His service?