How can we apply the principle of provision for priests in today's church? Setting the Scene in Deuteronomy 18:3 “This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer sacrifices, whether oxen or sheep: They are to give to the priest the shoulder, the jaws, and the stomach.” (Deuteronomy 18:3) • The instruction is concrete and literal—specific cuts of meat were set aside. • God establishes, in unmistakable terms, that those who minister are to receive tangible, material support. • The priests had no tribal land inheritance (Deuteronomy 18:1-2); their livelihood depended entirely on the obedience of God’s people. God’s Heart Behind the Provision • Honor – Supporting spiritual leaders is an act of honoring the God they serve (Proverbs 3:9). • Thanksgiving – The offering expresses gratitude for atonement and teaching received (Deuteronomy 12:6-7). • Focus – When needs are met, ministers devote themselves fully to worship and instruction (Numbers 18:5). New Testament Echoes • “Do you not know that those who perform the services of the temple eat from the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the altar? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) • “The worker is worthy of his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18; cf. Luke 10:7) • “The one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” (Galatians 6:6) Old and New Testaments speak with one voice: material provision for God’s servants is both right and required. Principles We Can Apply Today • Intentional Set-Aside – Build pastoral compensation directly into the church budget, just as Israel designated portions of each sacrifice. • Regularity – Consistent giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) avoids crisis appeals and enables steady ministry. • Proportionality – Gifts reflect God’s generosity to us (2 Corinthians 9:7-11); as incomes rise, support should rise. • Whole-Person Care – Beyond salary: health coverage, housing allowance, retirement, paid rest (Mark 6:31). • Accountability & Transparency – Clear financial reporting protects both leaders and givers (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Practical Ideas for the Local Church • Competitive, livable salary package for pastors and staff. • Annual review matching cost-of-living changes. • Housing or parsonage assistance, especially in high-cost areas. • Continuing-education fund for conferences, books, and seminary courses. • Sabbatical policy after a defined term of service. • “Love offerings” for guest ministers, missionaries, and special needs. • Emergency benevolence fund reserved for pastoral families facing crisis. • Volunteer teams for home maintenance, childcare, or meal delivery, easing everyday burdens. The Blessing Released When We Obey • Leaders are freed to “devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). • Congregations experience spiritual growth as the Word is taught with undivided attention. • Generosity unlocks God’s promised supply: “He is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Corinthians 9:8). • A watching world witnesses a countercultural community that values its shepherds and treasures eternal things. The ancient portion of shoulder, jaws, and stomach was never meant to stay at the altar; it was designed to live on in every generation as a pattern of gratitude and tangible care for those God calls to shepherd His people today. |
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