“Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?” (Nu 16:9 AV)
All Levites were not assigned to serve in the tabernacle in the same manner. It was the sons of Aaron who served as priests tending to the sacrifices and rites of the tabernacle. The remaining families of the Levites were assigned different functions. Moses was a Levite but his calling was administrative and civil. Three families rose up and challenged the calling and leadership of Moses. Korah, who was a descendant of Levi, and three others, Dothan, Abiram (brothers), and On (descendants of Rueben) claimed they were as holy as Moses and therefore qualified to lead Israel. I believe Moses’ words are addressed to Korah because the other three would not have stood before the LORD to minister to the congregation. It appears Dothan put the other three up to this rebellion. They hand-picked Korah to be Moses’ replacement had they been successful. Dothan is the ringleader in all of this. But the lion’s share of the fault lies with Korah. Being a Levite and enjoying the privilege of serving the LORD, he should have been content in the ministry he had. Dothan did not pick him at random. He chose to use someone whose ambition got the better of him. He chose someone discontent with the calling God placed him in. The sad thing about this is God destroyed them all. Not only did Korah fail in his attempted promotion, but he also lost the ministry he had.
Many years ago, there was an individual who wanted to serve as a deacon. The problem was his marital history. He was the son of a preacher, knew his bible, and people truly liked him. He has faithfully served in several ministries. He was licensed to preach from another church. On paper, it appeared he was qualified. He never directly asked to serve. Rather, other people did the bidding for him. When I spoke with our men, they agreed his marital history disqualified him for the office of deacon. If it were not for that one issue, he would have been a great candidate. His friends did not take that well. Nor did he. He left the church over being passed over. His departure left a big hole. He left the ministries he had because he couldn’t have the one he wanted. He saw the office of deacon as a promotion. Contrast that with another man who served in a different church. He and his wife served in special music. There were very dear people and their integrity was unmatched. Their love for one another and the LORD was evident. There was a consideration to ask him to serve, but as was the case with the first example, his marital background would not allow for it. He didn’t seek the office like the first example. He was content to serve in special music and as an usher. When he learned of our inquiry, and the failure to consider him, he was content in the place God had him. He and his wife continued to bless the congregation in song and other service in the church as though nothing happened at all. The first lost his ministry over something he could not have and the second blossomed despite losing something he never wanted.
To serve the LORD in any capacity is a privilege. Whether we are sweeping floors or preaching from a pulpit, it matters not. Whatever God asks us to do is a blessing and a grace. Contentment in the calling in which God has us is a treasure. It is a must if we want to continue in His service. Jesus warns against seeking a place that is not for us. He tells us to take the more humble place and wait to be promoted. He will exalt in due time. Not before we are ready. And certainly not to a place in which we do not belong. Better to remain content in the calling God has for you than seek something else and lose what you have.
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