Taken, and Given

“But I have taken the Levites instead of every firstborn among the sons of Israel. I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the sons of Israel, to perform the service of the sons of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement on behalf of the sons of Israel, so that there will be no plague among the sons of Israel by their coming near to the sanctuary.” (Numbers 8:18–19, NASB95) Notice the Lord says, “I have taken” (v. 8) followed by “I have given” (v. 9).  God took the Levites from Israel and gave them to Aaron for Israel.This example from God is a strong reminder for the church on how it should give that which it has received, especially in the sense of the servants it receives.  As young men and women come into the church, they should be prepared by the church for service.  The church, taking these young men and women, should then be happy to give them back to the greater church for service to the body.In my own church, I rejoice when God brings a young man whom we are able to train and I am able to mentor.  I rejoice even more when I am able to give that young man to a greater place of service, outside my own church, for the greater good of the Gospel.  Take, then give.  This is a good example to follow!In His Grace;Dr. Randy White