Some parts of the Bible take some work to find the gems. Numbers chapter 3 is one such.

The children of Israel are at the start of their journey into the wilderness. They did not yet know this journey would last 40 years! The rebellion that brought the generation-long- delay occurred several chapters later.

This chapter explains the organisation of the tribe of Levi, to look after the tabernacle and all its equipment. The tabernacle is described in Exodus. It was the ‘mobile temple’ which the children of Israel were to carry always. It was God’s dwelling place.

The Levites consisted of three tribes:

Gershonites carried the tabernacle itself, the tent, its coverings, and the curtain at its entrance.

Kohathites had responsibility for the care of the tabernacle. This included the ark, the table, lampstand, etc; all the special items which were used by the priests for the worship of God. They also carried in the veil to the ‘Holy of Holies.’

Merarites carried the heavy items, the frames and crossbars, and tent pegs.

Of the three, we would say that that the Kohathites has responsibility for the most holy items. Yet this is not stated! I think we must understand that all the roles are important. The brother who carried the tent pegs had a job as important as those who carried the ark of the covenant. If he delayed his arrival when the tabernacle was being set up, the tabernacle could not be erected, and worship could not happen!

If God has called me to a role and responsibility, it is important, it is holy, it is for His glory. It does not matter whether it involves speech or silence, whether it is public or private, etc.

And, God’s call to me must include some collaboration and teamwork. We are not to be independent.

The letter to Philemon is the apostle Paul’s shortest letter, tucked away before the book of Hebrews. The letter itself is delightful, and full of compassion and companionship. Amongst other things, Paul gently encourages his friend Philemon, a man of some standing, to share his faith more effectively

Verse 6 reads: “and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”

.What is interesting is that, as we share our faith we grow in our knowledge of “every good thing” that we have in Christ.

One barrier to our sharing our faith is our lack of understanding. We think we cannot answer objections that people may have. Paul starts the other way around! He encourages Philemon to share his faith so that he will grow in understanding.

The Lord Jesus said something similar in John 7.17; “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” Here, He puts obedience before understanding. As we obey what Christ teaches, we will find our understanding of scripture grows.

This is so helpful. So often Christianity is considered to be something intellectual, leaving some of us at a perceived disadvantage. But the order of the New Testament is that we obey Christ, and share our faith, so that we can grow in understanding. Given Christ’s wonderful love for us, why would we not wish to obey Him, and share our faith?

David the Psalmist writes these words: “you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23.5)

“When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident” (Psalm 27.2-3)

I came across a new hermitage being built in the UK. Interesting! It is sensible to have opportunity for mediation and space to be alone with God.

But these familiar scriptures describe victory in the midst of trouble and fearlessness when surrounded by enemies. This can be the experience for Christians born into a world at best indifferent, at worst antagonistic, to the message we proclaim and to the Christ we seek to honour.

Our normal experience is to be in a minority. It is in that situation that our light shines brightest and our hope can overflow in blessings to others.