“For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel.”

Numbers 8:16 (NKJV)

What qualifies a person to serve the Lord? Is there a class you can attend? Is there a test you must take? Is there a degree you must obtain?

Numbers 8 shows us how the Levites were prepared to serve the LORD and others. I believe the above verse is the key.

You see, while in Egypt the LORD spared the firstborn of the children of Israel. Therefore, He set them apart for Himself. But rather than taking the firstborn from all the tribes, the LORD chose the Levites. They wholly belonged to Him. They would minister to God and to the people on behalf of God. This was a great privilege! But the Levites also needed to be prepared for this service.

First, they needed to be cleansed with the water of purification. This was sprinkled on them. Then they shaved their body and washed their clothes to make themselves clean. The water of purification speaks of cleansing by the Word of God. We see this in the instructions that the apostle Paul gave to husbands:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.”

Ephesians 5:25–26 (NKJV)

The Word of God has a cleansing effect in our lives. It prepares us to be used by God.

Second, the Levites needed to offer one bull as a burnt offering and a second bull as a sin offering. This would make atonement for them. Of course, this points to the atonement Christ made for us with His own blood on the cross. This satisfies God’s justice and brings forgiveness for our sins.

Third, they were consecrated by being offered as a wave offering before the LORD. The people laid their hands on them, indicating that they accepted their ministry. Now the Levites wholly belonged to God and could serve the people.

When we believe in Jesus Christ then we become kings and priests (Revelation 1:6). The Lord has called us out of this world and set us apart for Himself.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NKJV)

How do we glorify God in our body and spirit? First, we must be cleansed by the water and the blood. Then, we must surrender ourselves to God. Finally, we serve the Lord and others in the name of Christ.

Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash