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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I bow in worship before you, for you are the eternal God. You are my God, and you are my “dwelling place” (Ps 90:1). “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Ps 90:2). In his blessing of Israel, Moses declared, “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut 33:27). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me how terrified the Israelites were of you in the aftermath of Korah’s rebellion. They were convinced that they would be killed if they came near the Tabernacle (Num 17:12–13). You responded with mercy and kindness, and you decreed that if the Tabernacle was violated in the future, your wrath would break out only against the Levites and the violators themselves while the rest of the community would be spared (Num 18:1–7). This meant that the priests and Levites shouldered a great responsibility. You knew this and graciously provided for their needs: they received a tithe of the best the people had to offer (Num 18:8–32). This symbiotic relationship in which the Levites cared for the people and the people provided for the Levities is a model for the church today (cf. 1 Cor 9:13–14; 1 Tim 5:17–18). You also provided a means of dealing with the uncleanness that came from touching a dead body (over 14,700 people died from the plague, besides those who died from Korah’s rebellion). Instead of the requiring the normal offerings at the end of the seven day waiting period (cf. Lev 14:10ff), you allowed those who had come in contact with the dead to be treated with water which contained all the ingredients of a sin offering: the ashes of a red heifer (Num 19:9–12). This showed your love and concern for those who were grieving, for it spared them the burden of an expensive sacrifice after they had just buried their dead. Reflection The accountability you placed on the priests and Levites is analogous to the accountability that rests on my own spiritual leaders (Acts 20:28). Am I making sure they are provided for? Request Father, life is brief. Teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom (Ps 90:12). Thanksgiving Thank you for your lovingkindness. You truly satisfy me, and I sing for joy and am glad! (Ps 90:14). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” by Isaac Watts. Meditation Verse: Psalm 90:12.