YE, THE LEVITES SHALL REJOICE

Deuteronomy 12:12 And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

To my fellow reader, this word is important for our development, relationship, and fellowship in Christ, receiving through Jesus, the priestly hood.

Revelation 1:5-6 (5)And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (6)And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Many of us, one time or another has found it difficult to rejoice in the goodness of Christ Jesus. The spirit of envy has made its approach to us at times, in hope to have a greater influence to rob our joy. Satan would try to get one of us jealous over another’s God given blessing, like what happened to Jacob’s sons toward Joseph (Genesis 37). Also the same we see in the story Jesus spoke of concerning the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Though the word of God says in Revelation that by the blood of the lamb, Jesus who is the sweet Lamb of God, we are made priest and kings unto God, at times if we’ve allowed any type of spirit contrary to the nature of God’s Holy Spirit to get a hold of us, we don’t feel much like a king or priest, by covenant. However, reader I encourage you, the Levites shall rejoice!

When Moses gave his final address to the children of Israel in the beginning of Deuteronomy, he declared to Israel that they will cross over the Jordan and into the promise land. A place that they may dwell in safety, because it was a place God has given them by covenant.

Deuteronomy 12:10 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;

The reason we why we at times don’t feel at all to rejoice is because we ourselves are not experiencing the place where God chose to dwell.

Deuteronomy 12:11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

My fellow reader, it is beyond a feeling, but by a reason of covenant we shall rejoice! In Deuteronomy 12:10-12 Moses is saying, “WHEN you cross over Jordan to the place God has given you by covenant, a place where He shall dwell, and give all what God requires, you shall rejoice! And when you rejoice, you will find that all who are around you will rejoice also!”

Israel had to get to a place that God called them to. Had to get to where His dwelling is. God only dwells in His covenant! And when they got to that place, they found it to be a place of safety. A place where they can freely give their offerings and thanks unto God! A place where they were called to create a sanctuary, because God’s dwelling was there. It’s where God called them to be.

When we obediently go to the place that God has called us to be! A place in Him, in His dwelling, in His covenant! We will find the desire to rejoice in His goodness!

The sanctuary is a place of safety, in the dwelling presence of God. Even though the Levites in the Old Testament where reserved and separate from within the Nation of Israel as a consecrated priesthood, they were called to rejoice in the gates of the congregation, even though the Levite had no part nor inheritance with the rest of Israel, but of their own reserved by God.

Many of us will not have the same spiritual gifting, abilities, and such, but we have a covenant with Christ and a Sanctuary to go to! We have to cross over the rivers of self and into the promising will of the Lord! One might think, well my church is dead and not rejoicing, well then you start crossing the rivers of self sufficiency, pray for those others, and start rejoicing, because you have a covenant with Christ.

This also why we must be born again! Born into the Kingdom, to be part of this covenant with Christ, receiving Him who is our inheritance! The inheritance that has been freely given (John 3:16) to all who believe, received, and are converted into His name and Will!

We are to follow Jesus, not our self! To seek first His Kingdom, not our own! The message is, don’t allow selfishness to cripple your involvement in moving forward in covenantal relationship with Christ and rejoicing in it!

I encourage us all; rejoice in the goodness of what God is doing through the lives of others! Pray for those who seem to be on the other side of Jordan, not yet experiencing that liberating place in the presence of the Lord. But my God, as we walk through the river of our Jordan, through the waters of our baptism, through our feelings, dyeing to self, we will make it to the shore of the dwelling place of the Almighty King of Kings and Lord of lords! Jesus Christ! My God, may we go daily to the throne where we belong! To offer up so much praise as we are on our approach, that the sweet savoring odor of rejoicing in Christ; will cause Him to arise off His throne, looking down from the heavenlies, receiving the praises of His people.

You know what happens when we rejoice? Healing takes place, liberation happens, fresh down pour of the Holy Spirit takes place, and so much more of God’s power, love, and joy is expressed and made manifest. We are called to Praise Him! Ye, the Levites shall rejoice!

Philippians 4:4-7 (4) Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (5)Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God Bless