Numbers 7:5-9 Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and you shall give them to the Levites… : — I. THAT GOD'S GIFTS ARE VARIED. 1. Men differ widely in many things — parentage, birthplace, physical vigour, mental capacity, education, spiritual gifts, &c. 2. For many of these differences they are themselves largely accountable. Some are crippled by their own indolence, extravagance, neglect, intemperance; others advance by their thrift, sobriety, perseverance, economy, and indomitable industry, to large influence and wealth. 3. But though the way in which men bear themselves may account for many of the differences between them, there are a thousand discrepancies which cannot be thus explained. No child is born in Alyssinia, or on the banks of the Ganges, or in crowded London because it wills it. Men are sick without being to blame for it, and women poor through no fault of their own. We must refer these problems to the Divine sovereignty. There is no other solution for many of life's mysteries. "Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight." If Gershon and Kohath complain that Merari has more than they, Moses' sufficient answer will be, "God ordained it so." 4. This truth, apprehended and believed, would destroy a thousand seeds of discontent, envy, and socialistic heresy. It is God who bestows wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), honours (Psalm 75:6, 7), power (Romans 13:1). We receive gracefully the assignment of an earthly superior; why not as gracefully what God appoints? II. GOD'S GIFTS ARE PROPORTIONATE. In each case He proportions the means of transportation to the burden assigned. 1. That which is well proportioned is not excessive. This is true of a book, speech, building; eminently true of God's work. God is bountiful, but never wasteful. We possess no talents or opportunities to be counted superfluous. Christ's sufferings are proportioned to the sinner's guilt. 2. Not defective. (1) Let those who are called to trust in Christ remember that His sacrifice, if indispensable, is also fully sufficient. (2) Let Christian workers remember that with the call will come the qualifications. (W. T. Sabine.) Parallel Verses KJV: Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service. |
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