Different Numbers, Same Team

When I played baseball on a team as a kid, the coach would bring out a big cardboard box with all the jerseys in it.  It was a mad scramble for people to find their preferred number because, unlike playing positions in the field or placement in the batting lineup that could change, this was the number you would wear all season long.  It was obvious that there could only be one pitcher on the mound and one #7 jersey, and this was difficult for some teammates to process.  Thankfully disappointment and grumbling didn't last long, and important life-lessons were learned:  sometimes you won't get the number you want, but it is fun to wear that jersey and contribute as part of the team by doing your best.

In His wisdom God chose to arrange the camp of the Hebrews as He led them through the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt.  His presence in the tabernacle was the point of reference to orient the campsite of each tribe.  The same was true for the Levites that were broken up into families with distinct roles in the service of the LORD.  For instance, Numbers 3:29-31 says, "The families of the children of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle. ³⁰ And the leader of the fathers' house of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. ³¹ Their duty included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the screen, and all the work relating to them."  Compare this with Numbers 3:35-37:  "The leader of the fathers' house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. ³⁶ And the appointed duty of the children of Merari included the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, its utensils, all the work relating to them, ³⁷ and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets, their pegs, and their cords."

I am sure the families of the Kohath and Merari had their preferences when it came to where they set up camp or what their responsibilities were in ministering before the LORD.  It is likely handing the ark, table of showbread and the menorah seemed a bit more important than planks of wood, pegs, sockets and cords, yet these were all necessary and vital to set up and facilitate the worship of God.  Even as God made a distinction between the families of Levi, so He made a distinction between different tribes of Israel and the order they were to break camp and travel according to His guidance.  This was not up for each tribe or individual to decide.  The only decision that people needed to make is whether they would submit to God and obey Him--and this decision needed to be made daily.

A similar dynamic exists in the body of Christ, the church.  Like a human body is comprised of many parts, so God has united Jews and Gentiles as one in the church with Jesus as our Head.  All members of the church are to care for one another, even if they are from a different denomination or "tribe."  No believer is gifted or called to do all things, but God gives responsibility and gifts to each one according to His will.  Let not the one God has called to carry boards think his role is less important than the ones that carry the ark of the Covenant, for we all serve the LORD Jesus Christ.  When we all submit to Jesus Christ in love and thanksgiving we will be able to serve Him together, united in His wisdom, grace and truth by the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Regardless of our current roles in a church, it is wonderful and fun knowing we have been chosen, called and are being equipped to contribute to the health and fruitfulness of the Body of Christ, giving all glory and honour to Him.  Let's be team players that follow Christ's humble example, doing faithfully what God directs us to do joyfully for Him.