In Old Testament times, during the time of Tabernacle and Temple worship, Yahweh appointed the Tribe of Levi to oversee the worship in the Temple. They were a tribe set apart for the purpose of worshiping God day and night, offering sacrifices, making music, and praying to the Lord. They were “to represent God to the World, particularly mediators of his blessings, so that others can see who he is and come to worship him as well” (Dave Horner).
Deuteronomy 10:8-9 captures the job description of the Levites:
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name, as they still do today. That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance among their brothers; the LORD is their inheritance, as the LORD your God told them.
The priests represented God to the people by teaching his Word, giving instruction of worship, blessing them, and rebuking improper worship. Priests also represented the people, or Nation of Israel, to God. This was done by them making intercessory prayer and burning incense on behalf of the nation, leading worship, bearing the 12 tribes of Israel on their priestly garments, and sacrificing on behalf of the sins of individuals and the Nation as a whole.
1 Peter 2:9 also asserts that even under the New Covenant, Christians play a priest like role. The epistle declares that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
As mediators between God and people, we represent God to people by being conduits of love and grace; we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world by serving them. We are also charged to teach the Word, bring salvation to the ends of the earth, and bless. We also have the opportunity to represent people to God. We do this by making intercessory prayer, bearing people in God’s presence, and leading people to worship God.
In a totally cheesed-out way, I want to encourage us to keep these things in the front of our minds this Valentines Day. Bottom line: We are blessed. Therefore, BLESS! Love! Serve! Bear well the image of God to others.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Happy Valentines Day!
(I love you, Kaitlin) :)
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