Investing

based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / W5D4

Scripture: Nehemiah 12:44-47; Leviticus 7:28-36 / SOAP: 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “the worker deserves his pay.”

2 Timothy 5:17-18

Do you ever read Scripture and think – UH? Like what did I just read or why would this be important? In your heart you know the answer is “because it is the Word of God”- it’s able to train us in righteousness, it is able to reveal God’s will to us, and it is able to judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. It’s a lamp to guide our feet and it is able to keep us from sinning against God – so I read the “uh” verses again – but my mind doesn’t absorb it – and I praise God for being patient with me and I thank Him for others who have studied and written commentaries on passages that stump me. So today’s LGG Journal entry/devotion proved quite helpful – I hope it is for you as well.

Excerpts from the LGG Journal entry for week5/day4 – From Broken to Restored:

On the heels of the choirs singing and the people celebrating the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall, Nehemiah makes it clear that “part of re-establishing worship and setting the community right before God meant taking care of the priests and those ministering to the people. – In other words, God set up a system to care for those who ministered to His people.”

“When the people were following God and walking in His ways they were faithful to make offerings.” These offerings were meant as provision for the Levites and the priests who had been set apart by God. In other words the offerings were used to feed the priests.” It was a sign that Israel was spiritually healthy if their priest had plenty of food. As the Jews re-established a system and pattern of worship – they made sure they set aside the portions for the priests and Levites as God had commanded.”

Continuing their commentary, and thankfully making it a bit of a personal application

In his letter to Timothy, Paul instructed him to honor those who provided effective leadership to the body of Christ. He reminded Timothy to support those in ministry and to encourage the congregation to do well.

“Today, we don’t make sacrifices and offerings at a temple, but we do need to care for those God has set as leaders over the community of faith. God has appointed many people to minister to the body of Christ in a variety of ways, and as believers, It is our responsibility to support them financially. No matter the amount, whatever we can give, our faithfulness to give and support ministry and church leaders is a direct investment in the advancement of the kingdom of God.”

Aww, that we have been called the sons and daughters of God! Oh the sweetness of being brought into a relationship with Him, the Father-Son-and Holy Spirit. And the sheer delight of knowing how much God cares for His people, how He sets up systems of provision, and how He invites us to participate and “invest in the advancement” of His kingdom. – May we not lose sight of any of this and “may we be faithful to always support and serve those God has called to support and serve the church.”