Numbers 18:1–20, 2025.05.02 (Fri

Numbers 18:20 (NRSV adapted)

The Lord said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites.”

Today’s passage is about responsibility. But before we speak of responsibility, we must first speak of discernment—discerning what is and isn’t ours to take on. Where does my responsibility end and another’s begin? In structured environments like the workplace or formal hierarchies, these lines can be clearer. But in everyday life, such boundaries are far harder to define.

For example, couples may struggle to clearly divide the responsibility of parenting. And when it comes to loved ones, how much responsibility we should carry for them is not easy to measure.In today’s passage, God gives very specific responsibilities to the priests and the Levites. The burden is already heavy, but then God tells them they will not receive land like the other tribes. Why? Because their primary duty is to care for the sanctuary. They are to devote themselves to temple service and not be distracted with farming land.This may feel unfair. They have no land to call their own—but God says He Himself will be their inheritance. That sounds solemn, even beautiful. But one might still wonder: is this truly compensation enough?

In church life, our responsibilities are often just as blurred. Friends who work in large churches often say there are no clear boundaries. Even when you’re officially assigned to one ministry, you’re expected to jump in wherever there’s need.For lay volunteers too, the standards and expectations are often ambiguous. It would be helpful if every task were clearly outlined, but church work rarely works that way. And in such situations, it’s easy to become exhausted in the middle of service.

So, can responsibility be clearly divided by boundaries? Not really. When we add the concept of moral responsibility, the boundaries are no longer defined by role or rule, but by a person’s character, heart, love, and compassion. These elements expand or narrow the scope of what we feel responsible for.

Yesterday, we had a circuit meeting for the first time in a while. Three of us gathered—excluding one on vacation and another who hadn’t responded at all. One pastor arrived an hour late because of an eye issue, so it was just the circuit leader and me for lunch.In our conversation, he casually suggested that I take over as circuit leader, saying he felt inadequate. But I came prepared with my go-to defenses—my “special skills” for these moments, if you will.

My two excuses are:

1. “The Korean church is busy.” I have dawn prayers and am now preparing for English ministry—it’s just not feasible.

2. “My child still needs care.” (Even though he is already in 11th grade.)Once I share these, the person usually backs off feeling a bit guilty. Then I wrap it up with, “But if you do it, I’ll help with all my strength,” which gives the illusion of support while tactfully dodging the role. That’s my escape manual for avoiding unwanted responsibilities.

   
   

Responsibility is heavy and difficult. But few things reveal our character more than how we handle what we’re given.I’m not saying, “Complete your responsibility so you can hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” as a pressure. Rather, I hope we can envision a life where responsibility brings not burden, but joy and gratitude—a life where responsibility is filled with meaning.

Meditation

Have you experienced responsibilities that excited you—and others that felt like burdens?

Intercessory Prayer

• Please pray that Yeolin Church may grow in both maturity and growth. Pray that each person may serve with joy and awe in the responsibilities they carry.

• Pray for our pastoral staff, that they may be strengthened in their calling and service.