"But to the tribe of Levi Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He had said to them.” (v.33)
As we read through chapter 13 and the description of the land Moses had allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, we are twice reminded of what Moses didn't assign, land to the tribe of Levi. Instead, the Levites had as their inheritance portions of the offerings that Israel would bring to the LORD. These were their “financial security” in Israel. And this practice reminded the Levites (and the rest of Israel) that God provided for their sustenance. Additionally in verse 14 we are told that the Levites received a greater inheritance than that: God Himself. Meaning, the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance.
In this sense, if there is any tribe that Christians are spiritually connected to, it is the tribe of Levi. For in scripture we (Christians) also are called priests (1 Peter 2:5) and have a special inheritance in God (Ephesians 1:11, Colossians 1:12, and 1 Peter 1:4) - far better than the material, which is fleeting at best. We (Christians) then, like the Levites, now have an enduring intimate connection to God that could not be invaded or stolen, which is greatest inheritance of all!
However, many Christians today become dissatisfied with their place before God. I call it the James and John syndrome. They look around at others and wish they would have been given something different, and can even become bitter towards God about this. The primary answer to this is to see ourselves as priests and to understand that our real inheritance is God Himself.
The Levites weren't missing out on any added bonus—knowing God is a reward in itself. If you find that your focus has shifted to what you do not have, turn your attention to what you do possess - your inheritance through Jesus Christ.
The Truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)
