DCLM Daily Manna 25 August 2025 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Responsibilities With Prohibitions
TOPIC: Responsibilities With Prohibitions (DCLM Daily Manna 25 August 2025)
KEY VERSE: “But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden” (Numbers 4:19).
TEXT: Numbers 4:16-20 (KJV)
16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.
17 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying,
18 Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:
19 But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
MESSAGE:
“Thousands of years before Henri Fayol’s popular fourteen management principles became acceptable rules of engagement in workplaces for efficiency and productivity, God taught Israel perfect organisational principles of proper work ethics for a harmonious work environment devoid of hatred and unnecessary friction.
In today’s passage, responsibilities regarding the furnishings and carriage of the sanctuary were shared with specifications. It was the role of the priests, Aaron, and his sons, to furnish and cover the sanctuary. At the same time, the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, were to bear it without touching any holy thing lest they die. In other words, the priests set up or furnished the sanctuary, and the Kohathites carried it. They were to bear the Ark on their shoulders as Moses had instructed and not touch or look into its content lest they die.
Disobedience to God’s instructions has grave consequences. Much as we ought to be zealous in the service of the Lord, we must ensure we do all things as required and specified in His word. We must always find out God’s demands in all areas of our lives and service. For instance, carrying the Ark of God, which symbolised God’s presence and glory, from the house of Abinadab to the place David built for it was not wrong. Yet, contrary to God’s instruction, it was carried in a new cart driven by Uzza and Ahio. The cart tripped, and Uzza put forth his hand to help and was struck dead. The music, dancing, and worship did not alter God’s standard of carrying the Ark.
Similarly, doing things our way without recourse to God’s word may prove disastrous in the end. God inhabits the praises of His people if only they lived in obedience to His word and did His will in all things. Prayers as a form of worship can also be effective when we lift holy hands with hearts free from rebellion, disobedience, self-will, and wickedness.
As a biblical principle, an ignorant servant who does wrong will receive a few stripes. The knowledgeable will receive many stripes because he is presumptuous. He sinned wilfully. As believers, we must serve and rejoice before the Lord with fear and trembling.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God’s work must be done in God’s way – in line with God’s word.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 31-35
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
