Give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.
Divine bestowment varied and proportionate
I. That God’s gifts are varied.
1. Men differ widely in many things--parentage, birthplace, physical vigour, mental capacity, education, spiritual gifts, &c.
2. For many of these differences they are themselves largely accountable. Some are crippled by their own indolence, extravagance, neglect, intemperance; others advance by their thrift, sobriety, perseverance, economy, and indomitable industry, to large influence and wealth.
3. But though the way in which men bear themselves may account for many of the differences between them, there are a thousand discrepancies which cannot be thus explained. No child is born in Alyssinia, or on the banks of the Ganges, or in crowded London because it wills it. Men are sick without being to blame for it, and women poor through no fault of their own. We must refer these problems to the Divine sovereignty. There is no other solution for many of life’s mysteries. “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.” If Gershon and Kohath complain that Merari has more than they, Moses’ sufficient answer will be, “God ordained it so.”
4. This truth, apprehended and believed, would destroy a thousand seeds of discontent, envy, and socialistic heresy. It is God who bestows wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), honours (Psalms 75:6-7), power (Romans 13:1). We receive gracefully the assignment of an earthly superior; why not as gracefully what God appoints?
II. God’s gifts are proportionate. In each case He proportions the means of transportation to the burden assigned.
1. That which is well proportioned is not excessive. This is true of a book, speech, building; eminently true of God’s work. God is bountiful, but never wasteful. We possess no talents or opportunities to be counted superfluous. Christ’s sufferings are proportioned to the sinner’s guilt.
2. Not defective.
(1) Let those who are called to trust in Christ remember that His sacrifice, if indispensable, is also fully sufficient.
(2) Let Christian workers remember that with the call will come the qualifications. (W. T. Sabine.)
Endowments and requirements:
I. As Moses appointed to the sons of Levi certain facilities, so the creator has endowed man with certain capabilities for work in his service.
1. Understanding.
2. Invention.
3. Will-power.
4. Judgment.
5. Affections.
6. Physical organs.
II. As Moses required the sons of levi to use their facilities, so God demands the exercise of our capabilities.
1. Yet how much indifference on the part of man in exercising and developing his faculties in useful and honourable employment! Many, instead of gaining their livelihood in the intended way, by the sweat of their face, study all manner of trickery and sin to satisfy their wants.
2. And how many professing Christians become so absorbed in worldly affairs as to neglect the business of the soul. God has claims superior to all claims of the world.
III. God’s requirements are no greater than our endowments. If we cannot give thousands, we can at least devote our “two mites.” A beautifully tinted leaf in the wood cannot be seen at a distance, yet it contributes its part to the glorious autumnal picture.
IV. Man must use his capabilities according to divine appointment. It is a solemn thing to trifle with the plans of God. Every man has a special power or gift, and “he who lives by other laws than those that wrapt his genius at his birth,” defeats, in a measure, the object of his creation. (W. G. Thrall.)
An ancient offering, and its modern lessons
I. They who hold the most honourable positions should be most liberal in contributions to worthy objects.
II. They who are not entirely engaged in religious ministries should seek to help those who are so engaged.
III. God is graciously pleased to accept of man’s offerings.
IV. Gifts for religious purposes should be used in accordance with the will of God.
V. In the divine arrangements help is granted unto men according to their respective needs. (W. Jones.)