Numbers 7-8
But to the sons of Kohath he gave [no wagons], because they were charged with the service of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
Numbers 7:9
The LORD’s way is often not the easy way.
A few chapters back, in Numbers 4:1-20, the Kohathites are given the duty of carrying the most holy things (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant) using poles made for that purpose. Here we learn more clearly that they are to carry these holy things entirely on their own shoulders, without the convenience of wagons or beasts of burden. One may surmise that the LORD is emphasizing the holiness of these things, that they are to be treated with honor and distinction, but He gives no explanation as to why He chooses this mode of transportation to accomplish that.
The consequence, of course, is that the job of the Kohathites is a good deal more labor intensive than it might otherwise be. I can imagine a Kohathite asking, “Why can’t we use a wagon? If it’s all about holiness, why not just paint ‘Holy’ on the side of one special wagon, or even ornately decorate a wagon, and surround it with Swiss Guards?” (OK, I don’t really imagine a Kohathite suggesting Swiss Guards…) But any such questioning is unanswered. God is not obliged to explain Himself. And the Kohathites are given no wagon.
There is a good lesson in that for us today. Our culture consistently urges the easy path. We love the convenience of modern technology. We all benefit tremendously from the use of modern farm equipment instead of the ox and hand plow. But easier does not always mean better. It’s easier to cheat on a test than to study hard. It’s easier to “go with the flow” than to stand against the culture. It’s easier to blame others than to accept responsibility. It’s easier to give in to temptation than to stand firm for righteousness. And it’s easier to wear a mask of righteousness than to confess our sin.
God calls us to do what is right, not what is easy. He calls us to obedience, not to convenience. Sometimes that may not make good sense to us. We may not always know or understand God’s reasons for what we go through. And He may not explain Himself. We may not see the purpose behind suffering, for instance. Yet we need to trust in God’s goodness, even (or especially) when the way is hard.
Yes, the LORD’s way is often not the easy way.
One of the really interesting stories in Scripture is in II Samuel 6:
David … and all his men went to … bring up … the Ark of God… They set the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart with the Ark of God on it.
I’ll leave it to each of you to see how that chapter continues. My point is only to point out the substantial contrast centuries later with John’s reporting about the Kohathites having to carry the Ark on their shoulders! Now in David’s time the Ark is on a cart! Interesting. We’ll have to follow the story of the Ark’s journeys as we move on through Scripture.
That was an interesting point, Fred.