The Gift of Service

Daily Reading: Numbers 18

Scripture Focus: I give your priesthood as a gift. (Numbers 18.7)

Devotional Thought: We received a new member into our congregation Sunday morning. As we stood in the foyer following the service, our newest member, Rachael, was talking with Tara, another member of the church. As I commented on how Rachael was already finding ways to serve in the congregation, Tara just looked at her and said, "Oh, honey, it's just getting started!" I get blamed for a lot of things!

But, isn't it wonderful to be of service to God and his people? What an awesome privilege to be called servants of the Most High!

God told Aaron that the priesthood had been given to him as a gift. It came with great responsibility, but also with great reward. The priesthood came with burdens, but also with blessings. It came with heartache, but also with honor.

The same is true today. As followers of Jesus Christ, the priesthood has been given to us as a gift! "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2.9). Yes, it comes with burdens, but also with blessings!

Friend, as a child of God you have been given a place in the courts of the Lord. Serve him with distinction!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for making me a priest and servant of God. Help me to faithfully fulfill my duties so that others may know the glory and majesty of my King! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me. 123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. 124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. 125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! 126 It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. 127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way. (Psalms 119:121-128)