Catching up with where we left off, the Levitical priesthood has some intriguing and equally beautiful parallels to the life of someone following Christ. One of the most recognizable is the aspect of the royal priesthood mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9. The priests of the Old Covenant were to be set apart from the others. In fact, the whole layout of the Israelite camp was based on this principle. With the tribe of Levi in the center, it separated the other tribes from the Tabernacle.

So, too, are we, as followers of Christ, meant to be a bridge between the world and Christ. We are separate, but we are still part of the tribes. We are in this world, but not of it.

Not only was the camp placement an important detail, but the duties themselves were foreshadowings of the Bride of Christ. Recalling part one, Levi means “joined to”. We are the Bride of Christ; we have become joined to Him and made one flesh. So, as a result, we find many parallels in the Levitical priesthood that shine a light on how we should live for Christ. One such responsibility was preparing the sacrifices to intercede for the people. We, as followers of Christ, are to pray for lost souls to come to Christ. The veil has been torn, yes. But the presence of God is still holy. The only thing that separates the priesthood from the other tribes and declares them fit for the Tabernacle/Temple service is the calling of God and the blood that cleanses them. Matthew 22:14 states that “many are called, but few are chosen.” The whole world is invited, but few take the leap of faith. We, as the priesthood of Christ, must intercede for those surrounding us. We fight not against flesh and blood, but everything which is spiritually dark (Ephesians 6:12).

Meticulous detail went into every aspect of the tabernacle/temple duties. It is the same with those who follow Christ. He has called us to be holy as He is holy. We have the high privilege of interceding for our brothers and sisters in the faith but also for those who are not yet of the family of God. Ultimately, they choose, but we have a great honor and grave responsibility of leading people to Him with our lives – including our character, our actions, our words, etc.

We are in this world, just as the tribe of Levi was still part of the twelve tribes of Israel. In fact, Levi was the third out of twelve sons. The tribe of Levi is set apart as holy during a particular time in the wilderness (Numbers 3:10-12). Until next time when we go deeper into that, realize this small but powerful truth: the tribe of Levi was the bridge between the people of Israel and God. Those who are “joined to” the Lord should be set apart as holy and separate from the world, not because they are better or are sinless, but because they have been declared cleansed by the High Priest. They accepted the calling and lived according to it. We are joined to the body of Christ. Let us not waver and defile His body by doing something unrighteous as His representative.

For more information on representing Christ, check out this caption.