Why is it important for us to support those serving in ministry today? Setting the Scene: Joshua 21:5 “Then the rest of the Kohathites received ten cities by lot from the clans of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” God’s Pattern: Provision for the Levites • The Levites, Israel’s full-time ministers, were not given a land-inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 18:20). • Instead, God distributed towns and pasturelands among the other tribes so the Levites’ daily needs would be met while they focused on temple service (Joshua 21). • Joshua 21:5 highlights this: ten cities allotted to one Levitical clan, woven into the life and resources of three other tribes. • Principle: when God calls someone to minister, He appoints His people to underwrite that calling. Principle #1: Ministry Workers Need a Place to Live and Serve • The Levites’ cities provided roofs, fields, and proximity to the people they taught (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). • Modern parallels: housing allowances, fair salaries, office space, reliable tools—practical necessities that free leaders to focus on souls rather than rent payments (cf. 2 Timothy 2:4). Principle #2: Material Support is a Spiritual Act • Deuteronomy 18:1-2—“They shall have no inheritance… the LORD is their inheritance.” Israel’s giving became an act of worship. • 1 Corinthians 9:13-14—those who serve at the altar “share in the offerings”; “the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” • Supporting ministry is therefore not philanthropy; it is obedience and worship toward God. Principle #3: Shared Inheritance, Shared Blessing • Every tribe surrendered portions of land, and yet no tribe lacked. God redistributed blessing as the people released it. • Malachi 3:10 promises overflowing provision to those who trust God with their resources. • Philippians 4:17—Paul desired “the fruit that increases to your credit.” Givers share eternally in the harvest produced. Principle #4: Pointing Forward to the Greater Priesthood • Hebrews 7:5 notes the Levites received tithes; verse 8 says here “mortal men receive tithes, but there He receives them.” Our gifts today reach Christ Himself, the true High Priest. • When we underwrite gospel work, we participate in God’s unfolding plan centered on Jesus. Practical Ways to Support Ministry Today • Regular, proportionate giving through the local church (1 Corinthians 16:2). • One-time gifts for missionaries, church planters, and para-church workers (Philippians 4:10). • Providing professional skills—accounting, carpentry, tech, childcare—to lighten burdens (Exodus 35:30-35). • Hospitality: opening homes for visiting ministers (3 John 5-8). • Consistent encouragement—notes, texts, sincere thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Prayer support, mentioned by Paul as indispensable (Ephesians 6:19). Encouraging Promises for Givers • “Honor the LORD with your wealth… then your barns will be filled with plenty” (Proverbs 3:9-10). • “God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that… you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). • “A worker is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). When we ensure those wages, we align ourselves with God’s declared worthiness. Supporting those who serve is not merely helpful; it fulfills a scriptural blueprint stretching from the Levitical cities of Joshua 21 to the global church today. |
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