Be Accountable...

Joshua 21:1-3 and 41-43 -  Then the leaders of the tribe of Levi came to consult with Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of the other tribes of Israel.  They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, "The LORD instructed Moses to give us towns to live in and pasturelands for our cattle."  So by the command of the LORD the Levites were given as their inheritance the following towns with their pasturelands.  …….

 The total number of towns and pasturelands within Israelite territory given to the Levites came to forty-eight. Every one of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it.  So the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they conquered it and settled there

 

The Levites were the last tribe to receive their inheritance. God did not give them separate lands…but much like he took the rib from Adam to make his companion Eve…he had Joshua give them several recently conquered cities from each of the tribes.   The Levites were to set up their homes and pasture the cattle they owned in these 48 cities….spread throughout the Promised Land.

 

Since an Israelite would only have to travel about one day’s journey to any Levite town…it created a sort of double accountability for the people of God. Their offerings and gifts to the Lord could be brought to one of these cities….where they would find a Levite priest…ready to receive them…and assist them in requesting the favor of God on their lives.  And the Israelites were close enough to these families chosen by God to minister to his church…that they could provide accountability for them in their daily walk within the cities set up for them to care for their families.

 

It’s a great system God set up this day…. for we all need an accountability partner.  We need to know that there is always a minister…called of God…. at that church around the corner. One who can be our shoulder…our voice when we are confused. And theses ministers need to know that we will always bring our tithes and offerings to the church…to provide for their needs…and fund the various ministries that God set up to lead people to know his love.

 

I believe when God sent his son to die on that cross that he expanded this concept to all of us.  For as we choose to believe in him and follow him…we all become his ministers of love to others. We are called not just to give to our Pastors…but to all that live within the community of our churches. We need to keep each other accountable to God. Hebrews 10:24-25 says…, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”  I am called out daily by those that watch me closely…and I find my skills and love enhanced greatly…when I accept their gentle rebukes….instead of ignore them…or thrown them out as ill advice.

 

Father…I thank you once again for the reminder that you have placed your loving people all around me…close enough to watch me and give me support when I am weak.  Help me to keep my mind open to your voice…spoken through the people you have placed in my life.  Help me to listen to you carefully and learn to be your voice right back to them…so we can keep each other accountable to your laws.  Place in our heart… the ways you need us to help each other…and model to the lost world how your love can make us whole again. Amen.