Church Life (Numbers 3-4 / Mark 3)

Numbers 3-4 speaks of three Levite clans who each have tasks and responsibilities that they are to perform according to the word of the Lord. Performing these obligations is like clockwork. The Israelite culture and community can continue to move forward as the ordinary tasks are fulfilled on a daily basis. This reminds me a lot of "church life." It takes many folks working together performing ordinary tasks to help keep the church moving forward. In Numbers 4, we see that all of the clans are headcounted for men ages 30-50 who are serving "in the work of the Tent of the Meeting." This is significant. Just imagine what would happen if all men ages 30-50 were active in serving and leading in the churches of America. Indeed, the entire landscape of our country would change.

Many people seem to worry if they have committed the unpardonable sin mentioned in Mark 3:29. If this verse worries you in this manner, I seriously doubt you have anything to worry about. To blaspheme God is to basically say that He is the devil and full of evil (see v. 30). As Christ-followers, that is something we surely do not believe and something we would never say out loud. In verses 31-35, we get a real glimpse of "the family of God."