Give some Land to the Levites please --- God

TUE EP Reflection 07/07/20

This morning our focus was on Numbers 35. It gives us a story of the organization of the tribes of Israel with a special emphasis on the Levites and other groups. As Israelites took possession of the promised land, Moses was aware that the Levites needed provision since their job had always something to do with the work of the Temple. In the Jewish history, we learn that these descendants of Levi were selected for this job much earlier when God saved them as first born in Egypt. They were designated for this role of priesthood. I remember from my poor knowledge of Hebrew, the word ‘Kohen’ means Priest. They were devoted to priestly duties, providing Israelites encouragement and a strong moral compass. I imagine other tribes did the rest of hard work of military and social organization. This is the reason they needed to be provided for. Moses asked that the Levites be given towns to live in and places for their cattle. We realize that most of this were really idealistic because we find priests living in different cities. In other words, the Levites were God’s servants. So likewise, we should take care of the Levites.

The most fascinating request from God was the cities of refuge. They weren’t many: Only 6 cities. They were designed primarily for Israelites who were guilty of involuntary manslaughter. They were meant to be cities of refuge from hasty judgment, vindictive violence. What a far cry our modern cities are from being God’s cities of refuge. Do we have slums in our world with high crime? Yes. Imperfect judicial procedures? Yes. Jesus went through one. Do we have corrupt politics in our worlds? Yes. These cities would help someone who took a life accidentally pending a trial to find out what really happened. This differs from when a person has an intent to kill: premeditated. The person would be protected from vengeful attacks. It doesn’t surprise us that people get killed in prison where supposedly they are protected. It happens everywhere unfortunately.

 In addition, Verse 15 says that these cities shall also serve the resident and the transient alien. God is so thoughtful! A few years back, I had a dream to create cities of refuge. I hear now it is called the city of God in Congo (DRC) Women who are victim of civil war and sexual violence took over and created these places of healing, where only women and children live. They help each other and protect each other. How sad that the institutions that are supposed to protect them, in reality cannot protect them, and they are left to fend for themselves. God is on the side of the poor and the victim.

If God can design cities of refuge having in mind the safety and welfare of those made in his own image, we should join in his activity defending the weak and the presumed innocent. If not, we are doomed because it doesn’t really pay well to go against God! We would never win if we try.

God said: "I dwell amongst the Israelites". A Place where God dwells is sacred. It should be revered. Our personal vendettas, personal agendas end the moment, we enter into the space where God dwells. God’s agenda prevails there. The more we learn who God is, the more we realize that our little particularities of the world fade into nothingness whereas God’s love and purposes fill everything. Yesterday, we looked at Rom 8: 26-28 “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

So, I learn that God loves his priests! I am encouraged of course! God loves the poor and the innocent, the stranger, the alien with no hope, no connection, no means, God is the Father of the fatherless, the unprotected, the unrecognized, the marginalized. God cares!

May we join God, in his quest to defend the undefended?

Thank you!