1 Chronicles 23-24

“The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, as they served at the house of the LORD.” (1 Chronicles 23:28, NLT)

It is wonderful to consider that our work can be prepared for us by Almighty God. We do not have to wander through life wondering which career path to choose. We don’t have to worry if we “have what it takes” to succeed. Those whom God chooses He also prepares with everything they need to succeed in their calling. The secret of success is to know one’s calling and to walk faithfully in the works which God has prepared.

Jesus told His disciples:

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16, NKJV)

What joy and peace there is in knowing one’s calling and abiding in it, faithfully serving God and people!

God had set aside the sons of Levi to work in the tabernacle, ministering to the LORD, and to earn their living from their labor. They were called to assist their brothers who were called by God to be priests. These were the sons of Aaron. There were many duties to be performed—especially while they were a “mobile church” traveling through the wilderness. The work of the Levites was noble and essential. If they weren’t diligent in their duties, then the priests could not perform their work, and the entire spiritual life of the congregation would disintegrate.

But because of man’s pride, there was always the danger that some would not be satisfied with their calling and their assigned duties. In the case of Korah, he and others with him wanted the priesthood also. They felt that they were equal with Moses and Aaron.

“They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?’” (Numbers 16:3, NKJV)

While it was true that God had set apart the entire congregation of Israel and that He dwelt among them, Korah came to a wrong conclusion that Moses and Aaron had exalted themselves above the assembly. It was the LORD who called them and appointed them to this task. This did not make them better than others, but it did mean that God had given them His authority to shepherd His people.

Korah’s rebellion would cost them dearly (Numbers 16:28-35). But this all occurred because they did not appreciate their calling as Levites. They were not concerned about knowing the works that God had prepared for them. Instead, by their own efforts they wanted to exalt themselves to a higher position.

The harvest is indeed plentiful, and the laborers are few. There is so much work to be done! But let us understand that the most we can do is to be faithful in what God has given us. If God has made you a servant in His house, then be thankful and serve with humility, for Jesus came as the servant of all.