Do It God’s Way For Eternal Results

Years ago, a popular song called “My Way” became popular, with the tagline, “I did it my way.” I suppose, in some cases, that works, but for eternal results, we must do things God’s way.

The Apostle Paul referred to the Old Testament law as our schoolmaster. Thankfully, we not only receive guidance from its statutes, but we also get a glimpse of the character of God.

While in the wilderness, the Israelites often moved. In the Book of Numbers, Moses gave them specific instructions on how to break camp, doing it God’s way.

Only God’s designated clans could move the Tabernacle and its furnishings, and they had to do it His way. Why does this interest us? Because the details of God’s way still require obedience.

God chose the three Levite clans to disassemble the Tabernacle. Before they could do anything, though, the sons of Aaron had the responsibility of preparing the Holy of Holies.

When the camp moves, Aaron and his sons must enter the Tabernacle first to take down the inner curtain and cover the Ark of the Covenant with it. Then they must cover the inner curtain with fine goatskin leather and spread over that a single piece of blue cloth. Finally, they must put the carrying poles of the Ark in place.” Numbers 4:5-6

Keep in mind that God did not permit anyone to touch the Ark of the Covenant. So, they needed to follow God’s instruction to the letter and prepare it His way. Later, the following occurred.

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People Died, Not Doing It God’s Way

During David’s reign as king, he tried to move the Ark to Jerusalem from Abinadab’s house. The cart carrying it hit a pothole, and Abinadab’s son, Uzzah, reached out to steady it.

Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God. 2 Samuel 6:6-7

Back in Numbers, Aaron’s sons had the responsibility to prepare all the sacred articles for transport. Moses instructed them to cover each piece and put the carrying poles in place.

Then, the Levite clan called the Kohathites, could perform their duties of carrying all the sacred items. They needed to carry them God’s way, or it could mean their instant death.

The camp will be ready to move when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the sacred articles. The Kohathites will come and carry these things to the next destination. But they must not touch the sacred objects, or they will die. 2 Samuel 4:15

The next Levite clan called the Gershonites, had the responsibility for general service and carrying loads. Directed by one of Aaron’s sons, they moved equipment and did other work.

They must carry the curtains of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle itself with its coverings, the outer covering of fine goatskin leather, and the curtain for the Tabernacle entrance. Numbers 4:25

The Merarites formed the third clan of the Levite tribe. Poles framed the curtain walls that surrounded the Tabernacle and its courtyard. They carried those poles and other accessories.

Follow God’s Instructions

Their only duty at the Tabernacle will be to carry loads. They will carry the frames of the Tabernacle, the crossbars, the posts, and the bases; also the posts for the courtyard walls with their bases, pegs, and ropes; and all the accessories and everything else related to their use. 2 Samuel 4:31-32

All the eligible Levite men between the ages of thirty and fifty served in the Tabernacle. They each had their own job to do. For their benefit, they needed to do it God’s way.

I understand the logic of individuals having areas of responsibility and taking them seriously. We observed that during our tenure of serving as full-time children’s evangelists.

At the conclusion of a week of Kids Crusade Services, we methodically took our equipment down. People often came to the platform and offered to help us which we appreciated.

But we could only use their help to carry everything to our vehicle. My wife and I had the job of disassembling the large items and preparing them for transport.

We packed the smaller things because they each went into their own particular box or tote. Once we put all the items in their appropriate containers, we took them off the platform.

So, with everything accounted for and off the platform, we were ready for those willing to help. Cindy supervised the order in which they took each piece and tote out to our vehicle.

Our helpful volunteers handed each item to me so I could get everything back into our vehicle.

So, I somewhat understand about the responsibilities of packing and moving the Tabernacle.

God Demands His Way

God’s way demanded the consistency of the same people doing the same job each time. So, how does that apply to us today? God’s way may look different today, but it has the same concepts.

I like reading about the adventures in the Old Testament. But I also like how they relate to us: the Temple, Sacrifice, Passover Lamb, Pentecost, Promised Land.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Corinthians 6:19
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1
Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 1 Corinthians 5:7
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts 2:1,4
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Hebrews 13:14

God’s Way is Still the Same

God’s still doing things His way; we will never change that. He has laid out for us only one way of salvation. He told us to call on the name of Jesus if we want to spend eternity with Him.

For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12

We will lose if we try to cut corners and do things our way instead of God’s. If you try another way, you will find yourself in the wrong place for all eternity.

Lord, we want to do everything your way. Check us when we stray off the path you have laid out for our salvation.

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