What lessons from Joshua 21:29 can we apply to our church's stewardship today? The Verse Itself “Jarmuth, with its pasturelands; Engannim, with its pasturelands—two cities.” (Joshua 21:29) Setting the Scene • Joshua 21 records how Israel gave forty-eight cities, each with surrounding pasturelands, to the Levites. • Jarmuth and Engannim belonged to the clan of Gershon, descendants of Levi who served in the sanctuary. • The land itself, plus the fertile strips around each city, ensured that Levites—those devoted full-time to spiritual work—had tangible provision. Stewardship Principles Unearthed • God cares for His servants’ material needs. – Numbers 18:21: “I have given the Levites every tithe in Israel as their inheritance.” – 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 echoes the same principle for gospel laborers. • Provision is specific, not random. Each city and its pasturelands were named and measured; stewardship today still requires clarity and order. • The whole nation shared responsibility. These cities were drawn from multiple tribal territories, showing that supporting ministry is a collective duty. • Resources remained dedicated. Pasturelands were not to be repurposed for private gain; what was set aside for worship stayed for worship (Leviticus 25:32-34). • The arrangement modeled generosity and trust. Israel gave land—permanent, valuable assets—not just leftover produce. What This Means for Our Church’s Stewardship 1. Provide materially for those who lead and teach. • Budgeting for salaries, housing, and continuing education follows the biblical pattern. 2. Keep designated funds truly designated. • Missions funds, benevolence offerings, and building maintenance accounts should not be casually mingled. 3. Plan with clarity and transparency. • Just as each Levitical city was listed by name, share detailed reports so the congregation knows where every dollar goes (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). 4. Spread the load across the whole body. • Whether large or small, every member and ministry unit participates (Acts 4:34-35). 5. Think long-term, not just immediate. • Land was a sustaining asset; in modern terms, consider endowments, debt reduction, and wise property use. 6. Cultivate a culture of generosity. • “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) 7. Recognize stewardship as worship. • Handing over fertile acreage was an act of honoring God; our giving likewise declares His worth (Proverbs 3:9-10). Taking It From Page to Practice • Review the church budget line by line to ensure ministry-critical needs are fully supplied. • Establish written policies for designated offerings and property use. • Offer regular financial updates to the congregation, celebrating God’s provision. • Encourage every household to commit a proportion of income, reflecting Malachi 3:10. • Evaluate church assets—buildings, land, equipment—to confirm they are advancing the gospel, not sitting idle. • Set up a stewardship team that prays over and monitors these matters, echoing the Levites’ guardianship of sacred space. Encouragement for Faithfulness “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Just as Israel faithfully handed over Jarmuth and Engannim, may we handle every resource God entrusts to us with the same diligence, clarity, and worshipful heart. |
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