Who Gets What?
Deuteronomy 10:8-9 KJV
(8) At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
(9) Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.
Who gets what? This is the promise finally coming to pass- the possession of the land by each tribe according to relationship with their father, Israel. This is what inspired, motivated and drove them through the many long years in which they escaped from Egypt’s bondage, crossed the sea on dry ground, survived the wilderness and subdued a giant-filled land. There would finally be a place to call home, spread out and make it their own. Cheers possibly went up as each land portion was declared, and surely there was great celebration for all those receiving their promised inheritance. While it may be less than engaging to now read the list of how the land was divided, for each of those waiting for their own name, there must have been great anticipation and excitement -all of those, perhaps, until the very last one.
By that time the Levites may have been suspecting something, because there would have been no portion of the Promised Land left for possession; all had been already portioned out to the eleven. So, while the other tribes were already visualizing the best place for their swimming pool and golf course, the Levites discovered that their inheritance would be a continuation of what had been theirs all along, the sacrifices in the presence of the Lord. Now, where expectations were high for landscapes, neighborhoods, malls, and camel fleets, it might have seemed to some that instead of saving the best till last, that God had saved nothing at all for last and was going low budget. Maybe like a grandfather showing up at his own inheritance disbursal and giving the last of his children a room in his own house rather than their own county. This, however, was a perception that would prove to be quite the opposite of reality. All of the lands and possessions given to the other tribesmen that day would eventually be lost as enemies were allowed to invade, displace and rob them. But, the inheritance of their place in the presence and service of God could never be taken. It was an eternal inheritance that, while a possession itself, would also be the source of all other possessions and provisions they would ever need.
It may seem from time to time that in the dispersal of stuff there is a discrepancy and unfairness as to who gets what. Much may have been sacrificed for the sake of service to the Father. Lands may have been left behind, relatives died off in the wilderness and fortunes lost at a fork in the road. There is, however, an unshakeable confidence in the rejoicing of those who have come to realize just how truly fortunate and privileged they are with the inheritance of incomparable value and duration in God himself. While there may be others who are riding off on their camels to places of apparent grandeur and wealth, there will be a day when their eyes are cast with longing back upon those with the sacrifices. If their inheritance does not include the last and most precious dispersal, there will be a removal of all short lived earthly wealth while those in the presence of the King are taken to places of prominence and heavenly acreage.
Right when it may appear that the promise may only be for others, there is an opportunity to rejoice and celebrate the best part of the kingdom that could ever be inherited, the very presence and service of our Father. In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. For all those who find their true fulfillment in Him there will never be reason for frustration, disappointment or discouragement. He will more than satisfy and provide.
Revelation 5:9-13 KJV
(9) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
(10) And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
(11) And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
(12) Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
(13) And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.