RESPONSIBILITY

Numbers 18:1"The Lord said to Aaron, 'You, your sons and your family are to bear the responsibility for offenses connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons alone are to bear the responsibility for offenses connected with the priesthood.'"

In the previous chapter the Lord spoke directly to Moses, here in chapter 18, it opens like this: ”The Lord said to Aaron?’ WITH BLESSINGS COMES RESPONSIBILITY! Anybody listening? Exclusively, God speaks directly to Aaron here, rather than through Moses, in order to emphasize the RESPONSIBILITY of Aaron that comes along with ‘ripe Almonds’ (check yesterday’s devotion to read about Almonds.)

By highlighting the "burden" of the office, God signals to the rest of the Israelites that the priesthood is not merely a privilege to be envied but a life-threatening responsibility. The verse divides duties into two categories: Note this ‘YOU AND YOUR SONS ALONE!’ 
•    Aaron, his sons (priests), and his father's house (the broader tribe of Levi) share the burden of protecting the sacred space from violation.
•    However, only Aaron and his sons are responsible for the specific ritual duties of the priestly office, such as offerings and service within the veil.

Recently, when we were preparing for our Christmas celebrations, I sat everyday during the practice to watch the dance movements to see if it was connected with cinema or Christmas. I removed songs that I was not comfortable with and replaced it with good godly lyrics.  I edited the Christmas drama ‘dialogues’, I scrutinized everything so that God is pleased.  The Principal chair comes with responsibility! 

Decades in comfort, complacency and a cool pulpit that speak only ‘blessings’ have cushioned the church, Christians and Christian workers from rebuke, scrutiny and accountability! Unaccountability of Christians is manifest in the rise of divorces, adultery, rebellious kids, court cases and demon attacks on Christian homes. We have failed to respect the Church and hence we suffer! God said: ‘submit to the authority of your leaders who keep watch over you!’ Amen. Accountability! Hebrews 13:17”Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Microscopic scrutiny is being done by heaven of our life! The big titles are ok, wearing big cross as Christians is ok, church membership is ok, carrying Big fat Bible is ok, being in the church choir is ok, important position in the church is all ok; nevertheless, with all these comes the BIG RESPONSIBILITY to walk holy, faithful and RESPONSIBLE Christians!  Christians you need to be responsible and grow spiritually!  Let me ask you, how much of the Bible have you read thus far? Do you separate time every day for God? Do you wake up early to pray? Do you separate a day during the week and fast? 
Not many like it when I ask them this, because we have become too proud and puffed up with knowledge. Please submit.

Romans 3:19”……the whole world may be held accountable to God.”
“I long to obey Your commandments! Renew my life with Your goodness.” Psalm 119:40 (NLT)