THE LORD SPOKE (March 02)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Numbers 18-19

Tom Sawyer got others to paint the fence for him by elevating it to a position of honor. God, without employing any shade of deception, lets us know that it is an honor to serve Him. To Aaron He said, “I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift.” (Num. 18:7). This is a reminder that it is a high calling and privilege to serve the Lord.

There was a great deal of responsibility that came with the job. Already two of Aaron’s sons had been struck dead because of their presumption in offering unauthorized fire before the Lord (Lev. 10). In other words, they weren’t free to make things up as they went. They were required to follow the instructions precisely. The physical work load itself was daunting so God had given Aaron the Levites as helpers (Num. 3:9; 18:6) but with clear instructions as to their duties - how far they were to go and exactly where they were not to tread.

In both cases, priests and Levites were made to understand that their service to the Lord was a privilege. It was a gift from Him to be allowed to minister in such a way.

It still is! We may no longer have animal sacrifices or other aspects of the priestly services but it is still true that those who serve the Lord are privileged to do so. And it is still true that God grants that special privilege to some and not to others. As Paul, by inspiration, said:

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.... (Eph. 4:11)

True, their job is to equip all the saints for works of service (Eph. 4:12). And, true, we are all a nation of priests (I Pet. 2:9). As such, every believer has certain rights and privileges. But, more importantly, he has certain responsibilities for service, not to be taken lightly. Today’s NT reading is a good reminder of that. Jesus’ parable of the servant’s responsibility (Lk. 17:7-10) enjoins us to not forget the duty side of our job.

But the truth remains, not everyone is called to be a servant at the same level. Tom Sawyer wasn’t so far off. It’s an elevated honor that comes with a bended-knee task.


New Testament: Luke 17

Jesus loves the little children. Several times already in this gospel that has been emphasized. Now (Lk. 17:1-3) He cautions against doing anything that might cause one of them to sin.

The similar passage in Mark 10 is placed in Capernaum. That setting makes Jesus’ reference to a millstone (Lk. 17:2) very vivid. One of the industries employed by the people of Capernaum was the production of millstones. Perched as they were on a basaltic sill, the raw material was readily available for the manufacture of basalt grindstones. Limestone, the primary stone found everywhere in the country, was not good for grindstones because it continually produced grit in the pancakes and pita. But basalt is excellent for the job and, to this day, archaeologists find an abundance of basalt grindstones at Capernaum - evidence of their trade in this area.

So, when Jesus has a child, a grindstone, and the Sea of Galilee close at hand, no one had to imagine much to visualize what He was talking about. Even the small millstones weighed 30+ pounds and would successfully resist any flotation efforts a swimmer might make. The larger millstones which were also produced at Capernaum, weighed well over 200 pounds.

That’s how much Jesus loves the little children. Be careful, He says, that your words or your example does not hurt one of them in any way. In practical terms, what can/should we do in this area?

1. Find a child that you can encourage and help to grow. Work hard to earn his trust. Make sure he breaks into a big smile every time he sees you or hears your name.
2. Listen to what a child says. Encourage him to talk to you. Get down on his level so he’s not talking to your kneecap.
3. Play with a child. Read a book. Draw a picture. Let him explain his drawing to you. Roll on the floor with him.
4. Tell a child about God - how He made the white hailstones, or the pretty blue sky, or that little hand with five perfect fingers.
5. Touch a child. Let him feel your tender embrace. Give that little hand a gentle squeeze. Hold him on your lap and sing him a song.
6. Go for a walk and carry him piggy-back. Stop and smell a flower together along the way. Let him see that an adult isn’t just a big hulk that barks out orders all the time.

Jesus loved the little children. You can do no better.