After the first Passover, when the firstborn Israelites were spared the judgement that came on the Egyptians for their refusal to let God’s people go, God required that his people dedicate every firstborn child to his service. This was a symbol both of God’s faithfulness to save his people, and his choice of Israel as his own ‘firstborn’ – the most privileged of his children.

Now, the Lord begins a new system. Instead of the firstborn of every family being dedicated to the Lord’s service, God appoints the whole tribe of Levites as his ‘firstborn’. The Levites were the only ones who did not worship the golden calf in the desert (Exodus 32:26-29). Now they are privileged as a tribe.

However, their privilege is not one of ease or wealth or luxury. Their privilege is their duty to care for the holy things and guard them from misuse. While the priests carried out the ceremonies of worship, the Levites served the priests. They were spared the duty to go to war, but the duty they were given was one of service, not power.

In the years that followed, I wonder whether a young Levite would truly understand the privilege of darning the curtains, cleaning the equipment, and repairing the ropes and woodwork. These perhaps seemed like lowly, menial tasks – rather like getting out the chairs at church, or making the coffee after the service – yet God regarded a calling to these works of service as a huge privilege and, more than that, a reward for great faithfulness.

The Psalmist said that he would rather be a doorkeeper in God’s house that dwell in the tents of the wicked (Psalm 84:10). Our service in the kingdom, however basic it may seem, is the most wonderful privilege. May God fill our hearts with joy and gratitude as we faithfully serve him.

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH