The Mundane Role of Levites? Or Not?

Have you ever considered what it means to be a Levite in the Old Testament? Earlier, I'd imagined them playing harps, flutes, cymbals and lyres, and singing songs of praise and worship before the Lord all day long in that wonderful temple. How marvellous and glorious is must have been...how awesome...etc etc etc. But here's the reality check folks!

After plowing and plodding through the book of Leviticus, honestly, I think it was actually a gory scene (worse than a wet market) with all the sight, sound and smell of animal sacrifices...bleatings of terrified lambs, burning flesh, blood everywhere...need I elaborate further? And get this...they had to perform these rituals EVERY DAY *sacre bleu*! I bet the guy who got the longest straw chose to be Guardian of the lampstand or incense burner! I guess being a Fire-keeper for grain offerings is not that bad too? But the High priest... man!...I sure don't envy his job! I mean how much creativity does it require to sacrifice a bull, ram, goat or dove (which probably didn't have much blood since they wring the neck)? So what was 'in it' for these priests who served so faithfully day-in and day-out before the Lord?

'A day in the House of the Lord is better than ten thousand elsewhere'...this is the most likely reason why these guys didn't go berserk with boredom doing what they have to do...day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year...In fact, I believe they longed for the presence of God and being just 'near' the throne room was enough! It's kinda like falling in love... just catching a glimpse of that special someone from afar brings joy and hope. But today, what a privileged lot we are! (although many don't fully appreciate this). Through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross we are now able to enter the Holy of Holies without getting zapped by God's wrath.

Therefore, I will endeavour to serve the Lord with renewed zeal and fervour. No task is too mundane or difficult if it's truly what the Lord desires. And this blog will serve as a reminder to myself and others...till it becomes obsolete...(Selah)