“Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant." Galatians 6:6-7 NLT

The scriptures instruct us to provide for teachers of the Word. Throughout my life I have come across those who don't believe that a minister (Pastor, Evangelist, Preacher, etc.) should be paid. This is simply ignorance of the Scriptures. All the way back to the time of the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament we read that God had instructed His people to provide for the needs of those who served in the work of the Lord. In the New Testament we see Paul referring to an Old Testament principle to drive home this point. “For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this?” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are two quotes here. The first came from Deuteronomy 25:4: "You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” ‭‭NLT‬‬.

The second came from Jesus Himself. "Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay. “If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’ I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:5-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wow! That is strong. God pronounces judgment on those who reject Him and those whom He has sent to teach and preach His Word. This is serious business! The Holy Spirit speaks the principle of sowing and reaping directly in relation to how we support ministry here in today's passage (see Galatians 6:6-7 again). Think about that. We reap what we sow. How are we sowing in this respect?

Perhaps repentance is in order here. Most believers and churches don't understand this issue to its biblical standard. May God help us learn this truth.

Ponder theses things. We will, Lord willing, pick up again tomorrow on this since there is so much about this that cannot be placed in a short daily devotional. Tomorrow we will talk about the Levitical Tithe.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me to honor You as I honor those whom You have sent to teach and preach. Bless them with all that they need to fulfill Your kingdom work.