“But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden” (Numbers 4:19).
TEXT — Numbers 4:16-20
Message
“Thousands of years before Henri Fayol’s popular fourteen management principles became acceptable rules of engagement in workplaces for efficiency and productivity, God taught Israel perfect organisational principles of proper work ethics for a harmonious work environment devoid of hatred and unnecessary friction.
In today’s passage, responsibilities regarding the furnishings and carriage of the sanctuary were shared with specifications. It was the role of the priests, Aaron, and his sons, to furnish and cover the sanctuary. At the same time, the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, were to bear it without touching any holy thing lest they die. In other words, the priests set up or furnished the sanctuary, and the Kohathites carried it. They were to bear the Ark on their shoulders as Moses had instructed and not touch or look into its content lest they die.
Disobedience to God’s instructions has grave consequences. Much as we ought to be zealous in the service of the Lord, we must ensure we do all things as required and specified in His word. We must always find out God’s demands in all areas of our lives and service. For instance, carrying the Ark of God, which symbolised God’s presence and glory, from the house of Abinadab to the place David built for it was not wrong. Yet, contrary to God’s instruction, it was carried in a new cart driven by Uzza and Ahio. The cart tripped, and Uzza put forth his hand to help and was struck dead. The music, dancing, and worship did not alter God’s standard of carrying the Ark.
Similarly, doing things our way without recourse to God’s word may prove disastrous in the end. God inhabits the praises of His people if only they lived in obedience to His word and did His will in all things. Prayers as a form of worship can also be effective when we lift holy hands with hearts free from rebellion, disobedience, self-will, and wickedness.
As a biblical principle, an ignorant servant who does wrong will receive a few stripes. The knowledgeable will receive many stripes because he is presumptuous. He sinned wilfully. As believers, we must serve and rejoice before the Lord with fear and trembling.
Thought for the day
God’s work must be done in God’s way – in line with God’s word.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
