Priesthood and Ministry

There are important indications that can be drawn from the instructions of God to this Old Testament people. First, under the New Covenant, just as under the Old, God desires to have individuals set apart to serve Him in full-time ministry. He calls men to teach His people His Word, and to shepherd His flock (1 Pt. 5:2). It has been this way since the beginning. It has always been normal practice for ministers of the gospel to be supported by those whom they minister to.

TAKE CARE OF THE PRIEST

Jesus was very specific about how judgment would come to the house of those who do not welcome and provide for the needs of the worker of God.

9 “Do not get any gold, silver or copper to take with you in your belts. 10 Do not take a bag for the journey. Do not take extra clothes or sandals or walking sticks. A worker should be given what he needs. 11 When you enter a town or village, look for someone who is willing to welcome you. Stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, greet those who live there. 13 If that home welcomes you, give it your blessing of peace. If it does not, don’t bless it. 14 Some people may not welcome you or listen to your words. If they don’t, leave that home or town, and shake the dust off your feet. 15 What I’m about to tell you is true. On judgment day it will be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. (Matthew 10:9-15, emphasis added).

Paul assumed the right of those who labor for the spiritual good of a community to receive material support in return (1 Cor. 9:4-12). The goal is that these ministers should have no material concerns, and to single-mindedly focus on the heavenly things for the sake of the congregation as a whole, instead of having to split their attention between earth and heaven.

The Lord appointed a blessing for the priest. You should make sure you gift what the priest deserves. A lot of people think being a pastor is not a “real” job, but if you look at what it entails in both the spiritual and natural realm, it is more than a full time job — it is a lifetime job.

14 Don’t take advantage of any hired worker who is poor and needy. That applies to your own people. It also applies to outsiders living in one of your towns. 15 Give them their pay every day. They are poor and are counting on it. If you don’t pay them, they might cry out to the Lord against you. Then you will be guilty of committing a sin. (Deuteronomy 24:14-15)

Make it your business to take care of the priest. Make sure he is happy with his calling. As people bless him willingly, and not forced, you are making sure the priest is happy with what God called him to do. Out of your heart, you can support the ministry of the Lord. When God blesses you a hundredfold for supporting His work, then you can give to the poor, to the needy, you can support your family, and you can experience the joy of the Lord’s abundance. But first things first. Take care of the House of the Lord first, so that He can dwell with you, and you can remain blessed.

Experience the Power of Prophecy as a gift to open your mind to receive the Mind of Christ.