Joshua 21:2–3: “And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, ‘The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their common-lands for our livestock.’ So the children of Israel gave to the Levites from their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their common-lands”

April 11th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

As God appointed cities to be given to the priests, the Levites, we notice that He wanted them scattered throughout the land of Israel. God did not want one “holy huddle” or “county” of priests, but rather for every tribe to have a priestly influence and presence in its own territory. Peter tells us in the New Testament that as new-covenant believers we are now priests (1 Peter 2:9). So in much the same manner, believers are also called to be scattered throughout society instead of forming some “Christian country” somewhere.

As priests we have been called to serve and not to be served. Most of us look for and seek good service but we don’t often want to be good servants ourselves. The Levites were the last to receive their inheritance in the land, letting the other tribes go first. We are also called to let others go first. In doing so, we become others-centered instead of self-centered, an attitude that is seen so clearly in the life of our Savior. His living example of washing feet and serving, challenges every honest, authentic believer to their core. Galatians 6:10 says, “Let us do good to all people.”

The secret of joy might be defined as living “others first.” We are called to self-sacrificing service for others and when we do so we are walking in the steps of Christ and sharing in His joy. When we move from self to others, we find fulfillment and joy because that is the way God designed us to operate. How we need God’s grace to help us to be more like Him in our daily lives.

“LORD, show us little ways to serve others and better represent You this day. LORD, We desperately need more of Your grace upon grace.”