Observation: After registering all men in the other tribes age 20-60, the census of the Levites - to manage their service regarding the transportation of the tabernacle - is for men 30-50. These men will be expected to work, carrying large gold and bronze furniture, heavy leathers and fabrics, and cast posts and weights. There are plenty for the job so they can rotate regularly, however these individuals will need to have strength to do work, but also attentiveness to detail to avoid damage to the finer elements.
While fitness for battle had broader requirements, service specific to the tabernacle requires both a bit more mental maturity, and a bit more physical ability. The window for this is smaller, and caps out at 50.
Application: Perhaps I am reading too much into this, but ... there is a time in the church when men are considered "elders". This is not just the 'title' of some on a council, but a model of interaction between wiser men who can help others not with their physical effort, but with your advice, insights, memories, and inspiring words. It is possible I am now supposed to be one of those people.
That said, there is a different responsibility with that phase of church participation. I need to actively care about younger men, engage with them in conversation, and provide opportunity for them to seek advice, ask questions, hear memories, and receive encouragement. If this is my job, I need to make myself open and available to doing it, and not just be with older men, or isolated in the front row with my family. I need to be that man over age 50 who might not be right for physically managing God's property, but cares a lot about spiritually softening God's hearts in the men around me.
Prayer: Lord, I continue to mature in how I see others with your love and your eyes. I desire to be whatever man you wish for me to be within the body of Christ. Thy will be done. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment