Good Morning.

The families of the children of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle…. Their duty included the ark, the table, the lamps tand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the screen, and all the work relating to them. (Numbers 3:29, 31)

In keeping with the “firstborn” theme from the previous devotion, consider this: of the three different families that comprised the tribe of Levi, it is interesting that the honor of carrying the holy furniture was given to Kohath, the second born, and not to the first born of Levi, Gershon. So again we are reminded of something I have stated previously — God favors those He chooses to favor and appoints men according to His purposes, not according to our logic. This is not the first nor the only instance we see preference given to the second born where God’s Kingdom is concerned. Frankly, we see this scenario from the very beginning.

In Genesis 4, it is at least inferred that Cain was born before Abel, yet it is Abel who is called “righteous” and Cain who is regarded as being “of the evil one.” Ishmael was Abraham’s first born son but he is called the “son of the flesh” — it is Isaac, technically the second born who is called the “son of promise.” We see this same concept in the story of Esau and Jacob; the first born is the one who rejects the covenant made with God while the second born, Jacob, is the one destined to become Israel.

No obvious reason is given for why Kohath was chosen over Gershon to carry the holy furniture, and so we have to conclude God has His own reasons. The principle, however, teaches us that the order of birth, genealogies and family names do not guarantee anyone a preferred place in the Kingdom of God. What counts in God’s Kingdom is a humble and obedient heart. Those who acknowledge their need for a Redeemer and are willing to serve the Almighty in humility are those that He chooses and places according to His Will. As Paul said,  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. And if you are Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:28-29).

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

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