Henry Cloud & John Townsend - Life JourneyMuestra

Holiness and Your Life

The Levite tribe was assigned the task of being “responsible for the care of the tabernacle” (Numbers 1:53). Their entire existence was focused on this job, and they were set apart for it. It was so important that the Levites be the only ones handling the tabernacle that a non-Levite who approached it when it was being taken down or set up would “be put to death” (Numbers 1:51). In addition, the Levites’ tents were to be set up around the tabernacle, to help prevent others from getting too close (see Numbers 1:53).

Sometimes when people read this passage, they wonder if God is safe and loving. Why would he be so strict about who approached him? The reality is that, in addition to being full of grace and love, God is also holy, meaning he is apart and sacred (see Psalm 77:13). He does not tolerate sin in his presence (see Habakkuk 1:13). And, in the midst of pagan cultures in which good and evil were often confused, God was clarifying that he, the real God, was different. He is loving, and he is holy. In him love and limits come together.

This makes a great difference to us in our lives. We can trust in God’s care, and feel safe in his holiness as well, knowing that he will not lead us into wrongdoing. As well, we can become like him. We can be caring and loving people, and we can also say no to sin and evil when we encounter it in relationships or within ourselves. Like the Levites, we can dedicate our lives to God’s ways and paths.