How can we support those God has appointed for specific tasks in the church? Setting the Scene: Exodus 35:30 “Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.’” God personally names and equips Bezalel for tabernacle craftsmanship. The people’s role is not to compete with or critique his calling but to come alongside it. God Keeps Calling Specialists • Exodus 31:3 – “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship.” • 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – Variety of gifts, same Spirit, all for the common good. • Romans 12:6–8 – Different grace-gifts, each to be exercised faithfully. Why Our Support Matters • Their work advances God’s plan for the whole body (Exodus 39:42–43). • We share in the fruit by helping them succeed (Philippians 4:16–18). • God promises blessing to those who honor their leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). Practical Ways to Support Appointed Servants 1. Recognize and affirm their calling • “Acknowledge those who labor among you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12). 2. Pray continually for wisdom, protection, and endurance • Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:18–20. 3. Provide resources and finances • Israel freely gave materials for Bezalel’s work until Moses had to stop them (Exodus 36:5–7). • Paul commends the Philippians for repeated financial partnership (Philippians 4:16). 4. Offer practical assistance • God paired Bezalel with Oholiab and “all the craftsmen” (Exodus 31:6). • Acts 6:3 shows deacons relieving the apostles of logistical burdens. 5. Show respect and joyful obedience • “Obey your leaders and submit to them” (Hebrews 13:17). 6. Encourage them verbally • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). 7. Guard their reputation • “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). 8. Share in the workload • Numbers 11:17 – Seventy elders received the Spirit to help Moses “carry the burden.” • 3 John 8 – “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” Biblical Snapshots of Effective Support • The women who financed Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1–3). • The Macedonians pleading for the privilege of giving (2 Corinthians 8:1–4). • Barnabas seeking out Saul and opening ministry doors for him (Acts 9:26–28; 11:25–26). The Blessing of Participation • When the body collaborates, God’s glory fills the work—just as the completed tabernacle was overshadowed by His glory cloud (Exodus 40:34–35). • Those who aid God-appointed servants become “fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 8) and will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). |
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