How can we honor those serving in spiritual roles today, like the Levites? Why Joshua 18:7 Still Speaks Today “ ‘The Levites, however, will not receive a portion among you, for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance.’ ” (Joshua 18:7) The Lord’s decree was literal, binding, and lovingly protective. He Himself became the Levites’ inheritance, ensuring that His ministers could devote undivided attention to worship and instruction. That principle still echoes: God calls His people to sustain and honor those who devote themselves to His service. What Set the Levites Apart • No land allotment—Numbers 18:20 • Daily temple service—1 Chronicles 23:28–32 • Teaching the Torah—Deuteronomy 33:10 Their livelihood flowed directly from the gifts and tithes of Israel (Numbers 18:21, 24). In God’s design, ministerial labor was real work, worthy of real support. New-Covenant Counterparts • Pastors and elders—1 Timothy 5:17–18 • Missionaries—Philippians 4:15–17 • Bible teachers—Galatians 6:6 • Those who shepherd our souls—Hebrews 13:17 The pattern remains: spiritual servants pour out; believers pour back. Practical Ways to Honor Our Spiritual Servants Respect and Appreciation • Speak well of them (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). • Guard them from gossip and unfair criticism. Material Support • Faithful, cheerful giving—2 Corinthians 9:6–7. • Occasional love offerings, gift cards, meals, or covering conference costs. • Maintain church facilities and resources so they can focus on people, not paperwork. Prayer Covering • Intercede for their families, health, study time, and boldness (Ephesians 6:19). • Let them know you are praying—short notes or texts encourage more than we realize. Encouragement • Verbal thanks after sermons or lessons. • Celebrate ministry milestones and anniversaries. • Share testimonies of how the Word is changing you. Partnership in Ministry • Volunteer, freeing leaders from tasks others can do (Acts 6:3–4). • Use personal skills—music, technology, hospitality—to advance the gospel. Submission and Cooperation • Follow biblical guidance they give (Hebrews 13:17). • Offer feedback humbly and privately when concerns arise. Blessings That Follow Obedience • Leaders serve with joy, not groaning (Hebrews 13:17), benefiting the whole body. • Congregations mature as every part does its work (Ephesians 4:11–16). • God promises harvest to those who sow generously (Galatians 6:9–10). Living Out Joshua 18:7 Today The Levites’ ancient calling reminds us that the Lord treasures those who minister in His name. By respecting, supporting, praying for, encouraging, partnering with, and submitting to our spiritual servants, we declare with our actions that the God who ordained Joshua 18:7 still reigns, still speaks, and still supplies through His people. |
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