In Joshua 21 we have the list of towns, scattered throughout the land, that the Levites were given to live in. It is the sort of chapter that you would probably be inclined to skip over. But I want to note something here that I believe is significant for us. I have mentioned the connection between the role of the Levites and our role now as members of the ‘New Covenant priesthood’. One practical reason why the Levites did not receive their own tribal allotment of land was that, if they were concentrated separately in one place, they would be unable to fulfil their role. They were to act as the officials of the land, collecting taxes, performing judicial functions and conscripting soldiers. But more importantly they were the ones who were charged with the spiritual care of the people, amongst other things, ensuring that the law of God was widely taught throughout the land. We are called, like the Levites, to act as God’s agents in our land. But, in order to fulfil this role, we must be dispersed into every part of society. Meeting together is of course vital for our spiritual health, but we must prevent our church communities from becoming sectarian enclaves where we live our lives separately to other people. This is detrimental to our mission. We must be intentional about connecting with those God wants to reach. We must be intentional about seeking new opportunities to meet new people. You are a priest of God, an agent of God’s blessing.
Think about the opportunities you have to fulfil the role God has given you. Think about how you can create more opportunities. Pray about this.
Read Joshua 21
