Numbers 4

 The Kohathites clan was to carry the sacred things from inside the tabernacle. There is a warning that they are not to look at them or touch them at the risk of death. Yet, the priests were to prepare the Tabernacle before the Kohathites entered it. The priests were to prepare the place. This is much like an electrician ensuring the outlets are connected correctly and covered before letting people come in and start plugging things in. Typically, if the electrician has done the job correctly the chance of death is nearly zero.  So, what does this have to do with the church? 

I have been in conversation recently with clergy and laity about the importance of communion. The questions are about how often and what liturgy it is to be or could be. There are two great opinions about frequency, either as often as possible or regularly but not too often. The first group looks at the frequency in the early church as the example we should follow. The latter is that we don't want communion to become just another ritual we go through. Both would agree that communion isn't just a ritual but something sacred, that is why we call it a sacrament. In this conversation was also brought up the warning associated with communion and this is where it links to Numbers 4. 

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11: 27-33 (NIV) "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world."

The pastor presenting the communion is responsible for giving the proper warning before communion is presented. We (since I am clergy), like the priests of old, need to be sure everything is as ready as it can be before people partake of the body and blood of the Lord (even if they are just symbols). Paul makes it clear that taking communion in an unworthy manner may lead to death. It behooves all clergy to do their part like the priest and the electrician so that no one is hurt.