II. THE GERSHONITE CHARACTER. (Num. 3:23.)

(Continued from page 103.)

In the third chapter of Numbers we have presented to us the encampment, around the tabernacle, of the Levitical families in association with the priestly house, with Moses and Aaron. The service which pertains to each of the four families is detailed, and the special character connected with each one. It is striking to notice that under the three Levitical heads, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, are eight families engaged in bearing the burdens of the tabernacle. Eight is the new-creation number. Thus, for us, Levite service is the ministration to others of new-creation blessings amid the wilderness scenes of the sin-blighted old creation-ministry directed by the glorious Head of the new in heaven for the need of ruined man under the fallen head of the old.

Gershon is the first in the order of this chapter, and his position in relation to the tabernacle is '' westward. " "The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward." The four cardinal points of the compass as mentioned in Scripture, with the winds which come from these directions, doubtless speak to us of the many hostile influences of which this world is the scene, opposing those who are no longer of it, and mark for us in this connection the ways of the fallen creature. The west is literally "toward the sea"-type of the ceaseless trouble and unrest of a fallen creation, but in which, nevertheless, the natural man finds a certain enjoyment in the gratification of his lusts. From the sea -the Mediterranean, which lay west of them-come those showers which refresh the earth and make it a scene productive of those influences of delight and pleasure for man, coming, though they do, from a restless and fallen condition. Is it not these influences which act with great power, and often with success, upon the child of God ? How easily we may be lured from the narrow path by present advantages or opportunities which will yield some passing enjoyment! If it has not been in deed with us, dare we say not in thought ?

Now it is Gershon who faces west, and confronts this side of the world's influence. His name means "exile," in the sense of separation; and this gives us the key-thought of our attitude, or the manner in which we are to occupy the place of service in this direction, and toward these things of the world. '' God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world " (Gal. 6:14). " For me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21). What a holy path this means for us! Can I for one moment associate myself with a world that has cast out Him whom I own as Lord and Master ? How separate He was from it all in His walk among men, yet how blessed the ministry of His infinite love to their need! He is our example in all things. " If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be" (John 12:26). May we by God's grace, by which alone we can do it, seek to follow Him more closely, seek that the work of grace shall be wrought out in our souls, that somewhat of His moral beauty and perfection may shine forth from us.

But what is the character of service which accompanies this attitude, or position ? Gershon bears about the coverings-the white linen hangings of the court. They speak to us of practical righteousness -the exhibiting before the world of the Christ-like character. And this answers to Gershon's first son, Libni, whose name means " white." So the first offspring of our separation from the world is to be that practical righteousness suggested by the white. This, of course, can only be by letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly. May our hearts be drawn out in unwavering obedience to that Word and increased devotion to Himself.

But Gershon bears also the coverings of the tabernacle, which speak of the various characters of Christ, and thus of what is to be the subject-matter of our testimony. This answers to Gershon's second son, Shimei, whose name means "my report." This is naturally the second offspring of our separation- my testimony, or report of that which is the basis or reason of my separation. And is it not truly Christ in just those characters of which the curtains speak ? How blessed that the lips which once defamed that blessed name, or were at least dumb to its praise, can speak of its glory and worth! It is grace, all grace. First of all, the fine-twined linen, with blue, purple and scarlet interwoven. This is the spotless purity and holiness of the man Christ Jesus linked with His heavenly character and His double kingship over Israel and the Gentiles, therefore over the whole world. Then there is the goats'-hair covering. This tells us of Him as the Substitute for sinners. The rams' skins died red is His consecration unto death, and the shedding of His blood, without which there could be no remission of sins. Lastly, the badger skins, unsightly, unattractive to the eye. " He had no form or comeliness; and when we saw Him, no beauty, that we should desire Him."Thus it is the outside covering, that side of Christ's character which the world sees. But what glory and beauty underlie it for us, now enlightened by God! These things are what constitute the blessed testimony put into our hands, and directly connected with our separation, exileship down here, of which Gershon is the type.

We may notice, too, that Gershon carries the screens which form the entrance into the court, and also the holy place. It is only in connection with true separation, marked by practical righteousness and testimony to Christ, that there can be any real entrance into the blessed realities within, and covered over by these curtains. These screens of entrance are made of white, blue, purple, and scarlet, presenting Christ again, as we have already seen. It is, of course, by Him alone we have entrance to the blessings within, but as resulting in our taking our separated place. " If any man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23). This means for us entrance into the fullest blessing. To love Christ is not to love the world; for it gives Him no place; and His word is, " Ye are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." To keep His words, then, means separation from the world-to stand aloof from all that is of it. " For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (i John 2:16). And so, if the Father is to come and abide with us in that practical sense of enjoyed communion and fellowship, we must be apart from this world as Christ was – separate from that which is not of Himself.

How blessed to retreat from all association with a world-system under condemnation, and whose judgment is sure and drawing near-to retreat to the sanctuary of our blessed God, to sit at the table spread with heavenly blessings, to partake in fellowship of all with the Father and His Son! In what calm repose the heart can rest, while the joys of heavenly springs flow forth to fill our cup to overflowing.

To take and maintain in fellowship with Christ the Gershonite character is the secret of occupying in a proper and godly manner the place of service and testimony toward western power and influences. May we be found, consistent with the blessed truth we know, in the position outside the camp, in fellowship with the blessed Lord. May our hearts be spurred with fresh zeal and love for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. J. B. Jr.