In the time of Jesus, the city of Jerusalem covered an area of 0.7 square miles with an estimated population of 60,000. Try and envision this ‘small’ town during one of the three required Levitical Feast when Jews from around the world came. The historian, Josephus, says over 2.5 million people came. The Temple was buzzing with activity. During Passover, the priest sacrificed over 250,000 Passover lambs. Busy is not really an adequate word.
The most difficult readjustment we faced, after living four years in a slow-paced third world country, was the busyness of American life. Typically, today when you greet someone and ask how he or she is doing, the answer is ‘busy.’ As best as we can, we adapt to the hectic pace of life. However, it is easy to grow accustom to the busyness of life and begin expecting God’s workings in our lives to keep pace. When this happens we begin asking questions like, “Where is God?” “He’s not doing anything in my life!” “Why is God so quiet?” “I feel like I am wasting my time.”
Imagine again the Temple the day after all the pilgrims departed for home. Even then, the temple was busy with sinners coming to offer their sacrifices. But what about the graveyard shift, after the Priest closed the doors of the temple for the night? You might think it became a place of total inactivity— silence and no people. It would appear from a glance it was lifeless. However, two hundred and forty Levites and thirty priests were on duty every night. The 240 Levites stood guard at 10 posts ready to keep out anything unclean that might try entering. The 40 priests had two main duties. First, they were busy keeping the altar fire from going out. The Law commanded, the fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out (Lev 6:13). Second, the priest cleaned and prepared the altar for a new day.
Now we are the temples of God and our spiritual lives go through similar periods or seasons. The New Testament gives several parallels around the imagery of the Temple. Paul told Timothy, For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands (2 Tim 1:6). The word for kindle afresh means to shake off the ash and add more fuel.
The 240 Levite guards almost seems like overkill. Yet, it shows the seriousness of keeping out what does not belong in the Temple. Jesus warned thirteen times for us to guard our lives or temples. Be on the alert [literally, stay awake and guard] then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. (Mat 25:13). This same word appears 22 times in the New Testament. The book of Revelation makes an interesting analogy, Blessed is the one who stays awake [literally, stay awake and guard] and keeps his clothes (16:15). During the night, the captain of the Temple made his rounds. On his approach, the guards had to rise and salute him in a particular manner. Any guard found asleep when on duty was beaten, or his garments were set on fire (Edersheim).
One other silent event that took place during the night, which could easily go unnoticed, was the burnt offerings completed burning as a sweet aroma to God. No worshippers were there actively making an offering. Yet, God was quietly enjoying the sweet aroma from the sacrifices of the previous day.
Some of you reading this might be working the graveyard shift. You are wishing you could sense God busy at work in your life. Remember, God implemented night at creation for a reason. Several quiet things could be taking place. He is cleansing your altar, rekindling your fire and adding fuel for tomorrows sacrifices. Or maybe, He is simply enjoying the sweet aroma of your previous sacrifices. All you need to do is stay awake and guard, and keep out anything that should not be in your temple.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
Just as night turns into day, the dawn is soon coming. Jesus is our High Priest. Let Him quietly do His work and enjoy the sweet aroma the sacrifices you have already made.