Day 59, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Numbers 7:1–8:4
The Keys to Ownership and Responsibility
How do we get employees, volunteers, students, or even family members to feel like they belong? We can do it by giving them responsibilities and recognition for their contributions, and then hold them accountable.
When each person in a family has at least one responsibility, he feels he is part of it. When someone brings home groceries, the whole family might help carry them into the house. If we are moving, we might give everyone in our family tasks (even a preschooler can hold a stuffed animal).
Are we a part of God's family? Not only does he give us peace, forgiveness, and spiritual life (more...), but we share ownership and responsibility with other believers in Christ. We can actively be a part of our new family by helping.
Getting the Israelites involved
After Israel's triumphal exodus from Egypt, God gave directions to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, the tailoring of priestly garments, and the dedication of the priests who would serve there. He also gave instructions about sacrifices and offerings. Then the LORD engaged the entire community of Israelites to become involved so they would take responsibility and ownership of the tabernacle. It was their portable worship center.
The tabernacle was for all the people, not just their representative priests. It was the people who brought contributions of materials to build the tabernacle. It was the people, not only the leaders, who were required to obey the LORD's decrees and bring acceptable sacrifices. The Israelites even took an active part in preparing them.
In today's Bible reading from the book of Numbers, the Israelites have completed the tabernacle. Now, plans are being made to transport it across the wilderness. The people donate carts and oxen for the Levites to move whenever and wherever God tells them.
The Kohathites, the high priest's descendants, don't need carts or oxen — they'll carry the tabernacle furniture. They'll brace them on golden poles and carry them upon their shoulders. The Merarites and Gershonites, also descendants of Aaron, receive carts and oxen to transport the tabernacle's framework and curtains.
Many young churches can sympathize with the Israelites. They set up their worship center in schools or other structures because they don't have their own church building. They set up and take down chairs, furniture, stage, other props, and instruments used in worship every Sunday. It's useful to have ways of carrying them. Members of every congregation should be concerned with the practical aspects of ministry, as well as the spiritual. We need to get involved, make this our ministry, and generously supply the needs.
After providing carts to the Levites, each tribe brings an offering to dedicate the bronze altar, putting it into service. Each tribe brings the same offering:
His offering comprised a silver platter weighing 3 1/4 pounds and a silver basin weighing 1 3/4 pounds (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel). These were both filled with grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil. He also brought a gold container weighing four ounces, which was filled with incense. He brought a young bull, a ram, and a one-year-old male lamb for a burnt offering, and a male goat for a sin offering. For a peace offering, he brought two bulls, five rams, five male goats, and five one-year-old male lambs…. (Numbers 7:13-17, NLT)
The importance of recognition and accountability
Why is each tribe's contribution listed separately if all of them are precisely the same? Why not just summarize them? Here are two reasons: First, we appreciate each person's contribution when we mention it, although it seems redundant. Moses recognizes each tribe for its contribution—each has a part of the whole. We mustn't underestimate the importance of recognition. If people know we will distinguish them from something good, they most often act responsibly.
Second, not only is recognition an honor, but it holds us accountable for what we do. All tribes bring the same contributions, but if one tribe cheats the offerings, they'll be held responsible.
Let's be willing to give ourselves to the LORD and help our leaders in the service of Christian ministries. The Apostle Paul said of the Philippian church,
I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18).
We can do that. Let’s encourage our ministries and leaders with our help!
Discussion
How can we get our family or church attenders to feel like they belong? What specifically might we do?
What is the importance of recognition and accountability in our church or family membership? Why should we do it?
Focus Verse
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV) “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: Now that the tabernacle is ready to move, they go, right? Not yet. They do something else, which is essential. Read about it in our next lesson: Preparations for a Spiritual Journey
P.S. Since leap year only occurs every four years, the one-year daily chronological Bible studies are finished in 365 days. I skip February 29 on leap years so you might take a break, too. Or, you might study about the Trinity on that day and then join us for the Next Lesson, March 1.
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re-edited 3-2-23
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