The existence and growth of the Church cannot be separated from people who are moved and devote their love, time, and devotion as part of their dedication to God. In all forms of service in the Church, we see God continuing to care for His people and manifest His presence.

Since the time of ancient Israel, the Levites have been appointed by God to serve God in the Temple. They are responsible for all worship and rituals there. When the Israelites first arrived in the promised land, the other eleven tribes received a portion of the land, while the Levites were entrusted to manage worship. God continued to protect them by stating that the other eleven tribes were responsible for the lives of the Levites. In Jeremiah 33:18, God even reminded us of His promise of presence for the Levites.

This provision of God was re-established during the return of the Jews from the land of Babylon. The Levites and priests would continue to serve in the Temple of Israel, leading the songs and praises, and representing the people in offering burnt offerings to the Lord. In the book of Nehemiah, we see the emphasis on the task of the Levites as those who would lead the praises to God. These praises were so important that Nehemiah felt the need to organize them specifically.

Nehemiah 12:1-11 specifically lists the Levites and priests who participated in returning to Jerusalem. Their names are recorded in detail. References to past events that intersect with these people are also recorded well. This also emphasizes God's care for those who have served God well and how God never forgets His promise of care.

Bible friends, unlike the situation in ancient Israel, today God calls us all to serve Him. Service is essentially a form of our gratitude to God. As the Levites praised God, so we praise Him through all the devotion and service we offer to Him. It must be admitted that it is often not easy to do it consistently. Maybe we need to learn more about consistency in serving God to the Levites as told in this passage. One thing we need to realize is that in the end, God Himself is the one who enables us in all the services we do because He is the source of all things.