In what ways can we support leaders in their God-given missions today? Setting the Scene: Gideon’s Simple Request “‘Please give some loaves of bread to the people who are following me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.’” (Judges 8:5) Gideon, divinely commissioned to deliver Israel, pauses mid-campaign to ask the nearby town of Succoth for bread. It is a modest, practical plea—a reminder that even God-appointed leaders need tangible support from God’s people. When Support Is Withheld Succoth refused. The town’s hesitation cost them a stern rebuke later (Judges 8:6-17). Scripture records this incident to underscore that withholding aid from those on a God-given mission is a serious matter. Timeless Ways to Support God-Sent Leaders Today • Provide practical resources – “The worker is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18) – Give time, skills, meals, transportation, technology—whatever fuels the mission. • Offer continual, specific prayer – “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) • Encourage with words of life – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) – Send notes, texts, or speak face-to-face: “God is using you—keep going.” • Honor and cooperate gladly – “Obey your leaders and submit to them… allow them to do this with joy and not with grief.” (Hebrews 13:17) – Avoid grumbling; follow through on assignments; guard unity. • Protect their reputation – “Love… bears all things, believes all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) – Resist gossip; correct misinformation; speak up for them when absent. • Share financial generosity – “The one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” (Galatians 6:6) – Regular giving, mission-trip sponsorships, special offerings. • Stand physically beside them – “Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on each side.” (Exodus 17:12) – Volunteer, attend events, travel with them when appropriate. Encouraging Scriptural Snapshots • Exodus 17:12—Moses prevails when friends literally hold up his arms. • Philippians 4:15-16—The church at Philippi repeatedly funds Paul’s journeys. • Acts 4:32-35—Early believers share possessions so no need goes unmet. • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13—The church esteems its leaders “very highly in love.” Why Our Support Matters • It lightens the load so leaders can focus on God’s assignment. • It unites the body around a common mission, displaying Christ’s love. • It invites God’s blessing on both supporters and leaders (Philippians 4:17). • It testifies to a watching world that the gospel produces tangible care within Christ’s family. A Simple Invitation Gideon asked for bread; today’s leaders often need more than just provisions, but never less. Stepping in with prayerful, practical, and heartfelt help transforms fatigue into fresh momentum for the mission God has entrusted to them—and, by extension, to all of us. |
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