Reading Between the Blessings

Listening to: Beautiful Things by Gungor

Reading: Joshua 13

"To the tribe of Levi alone Moses gave no inheritance. The offerings by fire to the Lord God of Israel are their inheritance, as he said to them."
-Joshua 13:14

"But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance, the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance, just as  he said to them."
-Joshua 13:33

Both of these verses break up chunks of texts that basically read like "so-and-so got all of this land over here for all of their clans and Moses gave so-and-so all of this land over here for each family member" and all of a sudden it says "and Levi got nothing because God was their blessing."

From what I know the tribe of Levi were the priests so I'm thinking at first, hey that's awesome, these guys are so special that they get to see God's face even if that means they don't get any earthly blessing.

But then I started really imagining it and was like wait a minute. These guys have are now homeless because they have no land as an inheritance and Moses excuse is "the offerings by fire to the Lord are their inheritance." I would be a little discouraged if I were in the tribe of Levi. Don't get me wrong, I would be honored and humbled that I was a priest and able to enter into the presence of God but now I'm expected to represent everyone in all of the sacrifices and ceremonies and I don't even get my own house?!

Would I really be okay with that? Would I be able to be not only content but grateful?! Would I sing praises for my blessings, the one where all I have is God. Can I live with just God.

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God..."
-John 1:12

Jesus give me a heart of the Levitical priests. I want to be so honored to be given the privilege of a relationship with you, of coming into your holy presence, that I don't care what earthly things I do or do not have. 



It seems like I was saying nearly the exact same prayer this time last year as I prepared for school because I wasn't sure if I would have anyone to live in Christian community with when I got up there. I know now that You are there. But I also know that my battle is not over.

At school I am surrounded by people with money, with things, and I want to know that you are enough for me. I know it in my head, but I want my heart to live like it.

Heavenly Father, most beloved Creator, I surrender all that I have, all that I am, and choose you, above any other inheritance I choose a life with and for you, a life of sacrifice and worship offerings to you. Whatever this looks like, take me and use me for your glory. Burn up this life that I have and may it burn as incense that is so sweet to you.