The Levites were a special tribe of Israel. Their namesake, Levi, a son of Israel, was not a nice man. Because of his part in a massacre over the rape of his sister, his father had nothing good to say to him when he died. So, in the Promised Land that God would give to the nation of Israel, they would have no inheritance in that land.
However, despite this setback, the Levites had a special calling from God. They were to be his servants for the temple. They were to function as priests and to be the assistants to the priest according to the family you belonged to in the tribe of Levi. Because they had no land to work in order to provide for them, God devised a way so that they were cared for.
The Lord commanded that the other tribes of Israel provide for their needs. This would happen through some of the offerings given to the Lord and through the giving of the first fruits of the harvest. In other words, their support came from the other tribes of Israel.
We have Levites in our church. They function as pastors, elders, deacons and many who have no title but serve with distinction. They need our support — emotional as well as physical.
When you see those who serve God in the church, make sure you give them some encouragement. Better than that, give them some help in their tasks. Every Levite could use a helping hand a good pat on the back.
Brad Rushing
Extended Scripture: Deuteronomy 18-21
