Numbers 8:19. What is meant by the phrase that the Levites were to "make an atonement for the children of Israel"? How are we to understand this in light of the Cross? Rom. 5:11, Heb. 9:25-28.

   Through the ministry of the Levites they restored
   the communication between God and man that comes about
   by sin. By performing the cleansing ceremonies for God's
   people it purifies them of sin and brings them back into
   communion with God.
  
   Every single act of the high priest for their atonement
   pointed forward to the cross. As the priest ministered
   before the veil to take away the sins in the camp ,so
   to Jesus ministers.
  
   Because of what Jesus has done and what He is doing
   for us we may have complete forgiveness of our sins. Jesus
   takes away the sins of the entire world. The earthly
   high priest no longer needs to minister because Christ
   now is our high priest.
  
Though certainly nothing we do can make any kind of atonement, how can we, by faithfully doing our duties, work as the Levities did in behalf of the people? What are you doing in your local church for the betterment of the church and its mission?
  
   Every duty and task that we have been give is an opportunity
   for ministry. The faithful execution of our tasks has an
   unseen effect. Whatever our responsibilities may be we
   should seek to bring God into them and He will work
   with us as we work.
  
Prayer: Father thank your for ever duty that you have given us. Help us to be faithful as you are faithful. Take away every device which will hinder this desire. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

Read Numbers 8:6-26, describing the dedication of the Levites to their special work in the service of God. What points impress you regarding this service? What does this teach us about holiness, about sin, about purification, and about dedication to God? What principles can we take away from this for our lives today, regardless of whatever role we play in the Lord's service?
  
   They were purified (num 8:6,7)
   - This showed me that this office was a holy office
  
   They were prayed upon by the Israelites (num 8:12)
   - the community was involved in this dedication ceremony.
  
   They were made a wave offering (num 8:13)
   - This shows me that the Levites were to be offerings to God
  
   They were purified for the work of the tent
   - The Levites were purified so they could do the work of the tent (num 8:11)
  
   They were given wholly to God (num 8:16)
   - The Levites where completely dedicated to God
  
   They were gifts to Aaron (num 8:19)
   - They where given to Aaron as a gift to help help with the tent
  
   This passage has application to all areas of the church. For the
   laity we see that they participated in the spirituality to the clergy.
   The ministers were consecrated with the blessing of the congregation.
  
   Another point is that the Levites were to be gifts for Aaron. The
   idea of leaders as gifts is revolutionary. If leaders in any line
   would see their office as a platform to be a gift to others in
   service it would produce a different quality of leadership.
  
Keeping the principles in mind seen in this ceremony, how do we understand what Paul says in Romans 12:1? How can we be a "living sacrifice"? What does that mean in our daily life?
  
   An offering is something with is offered at a specific point in
   time. The offering is given and then eventually another offering
   will be required at another point in time.
  
   A living sacrifice is something which will be continually offered.
   Therefore there is not time limitation on this type of offering.
   We offer our lives by the way we live and treat each other as a
   sacrifice to God and His people.
  
Prayer: Father thank you for the example you have given us in the Levites. Father
help us to be living sacrifices for you. May our lives be consecrated to you
daily ,purify us for your holy cause. Thank you in Jesus name amen