A “through the bible” devotion from Numbers 7.
Not long after my family moved from northeast Philadelphia to a suburb south of the city, our church built a new sanctuary. At the dedication, I paged through the memorial book which listed many specific donations made by members of the congregation. Families donated pews, stained glass windows, tall brass candlesticks, communion ware, hymnals, and everything else needed to furnish the new church. Every gift was needed and everyone could give something.
Numbers chapter 7 reads like such a memorial book. Every tribe brought a gift for worship at the altar. In this case, every offering was identical and significant. Each tribe is equally important. Each tribe makes possible the work of the priests, worship at the tabernacle, and sacrifices on the altar. It’s like commencement, when every graduate’s name is listed in the program and read aloud as he or she walks across the stage to receive their diploma.
How often have you compared yourself with someone else? I know, too often. We all do it. We look up to some and down on others. However, in God’s eyes, you are the most important person he created. So is the one you put on a pedestal and anyone you disparage. Each is precious enough to die for, demonstrated by Jesus’s death on the cross.
And so are you.
Waite for it... 