Often we look at people who seem to have it all! We envy their beauty, wealth, brilliance, or talent. We ask why wasn’t I given more? I can handle it, Lord! I will still be my same loveable, humble self. But I sure could use a few more of those gifts that you have given to others!
If we got closer, however, we might read the fine print of responsibility that comes with heightened status or celebrity. Noblesse oblige—-“nobility obligates”…..means that special status requires more from a person, not less. Jesus taught “to whom much has been given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48)
Of all the tribes of Israel, the Levites alone could approach the Tent of Meeting and serve in the ritual worship. Among the Levites, only Aaron’s sons were permitted to handle the sacred vessels and enter the Divine Presence. According to their various ministries, all Levites shared in the tithes, meats and other offerings that the whole community made available as consecrated to the Lord. It might seem that the Levites had it made.
Yet the fine print states that being God’s own portion among the tribes made the Levites special. They belonged to God in a sacrificial sense. Being possessed meant that they could not themselves possess; no tribal lands would be allotted to them. They depended on the grace of God and the good will of the people for their survival. An easy life? Not really.
We are all blessed with riches beyond what we can imagine. Because of our faith, we have the best of everything.
How do we show responsibility for the “much” that has been given to us?
AbideLines 