Leviticus 7:28-9:6 + Mark 3:31-4:25 + Psalm 37:12-29 + Proverbs 10:5
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Old Testament – I found Leviticus chapter 7 verse 36 to be powerful as we read about a portion of the offerings going to the priests: “The LORD commanded that the Israelites were to give these portions to the priests as their regular share from the time of the priests’ anointing. This regulation applies throughout the generations to come.” I think this is something for us to consider today – most of us realize that a portion of our tithes and offerings to our churches goes to support our pastors, priests, ministers, clergy. And I believe this is rightly so. These clergy are doing holy work in our churches today. And I know from first hand experience from my past that church ministry work is not easy work. Yes, oftentimes it is joyful work and the most amazing & fulfilling work you can imagine. But, other times it can be really tough work as you can find yourselves on the front lines of spiritual warfare and working with people at very low points in their lives. So – I guess I say all of this to encourage you to not begrudge your clergy in your church for getting paid for their work. Aaron and his sons were “paid” here in Leviticus – and I think it is still proper for clergy to be paid today. (and trust me – most clergy that I know do not get paid an exorbitant amount by a long shot… 🙂 I guess, while I am on this subject, I am also a bit familiar with the house church model today – and I do believe there are some leaders in this movement that are probably not getting “paid” financially. And I think this is great if you can sustain the model. But, personally, I wouldn’t fault house church leaders for receiving compensation either. It is holy work that our clergy do. I think fair compensation for this work is fair. What do you think?
Today in Leviticus chapter 8 we read about the Ordination of the Priests. Many of you will recall that we read something very similar to this chapter earlier this year in Exodus chapter 29 – click on this link to review Exodus 29. In verse 14 today we read: “Then Moses brought in the bull for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.”
Great commentary about Priesthood in the Old Testament is online at bible.org at this link.
New Testament – Mark chapter 3 verses 33-35 make an impact on me each time I read it: “Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” This last sentence is a powerful proclamation from Jesus. If we are obedient to God’s will in our life we are brothers and sisters and mothers of Jesus. Pretty amazing to think about! Jesus is not only our savior – but our brother. And later he calls us friends. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary puts it this way – “It is a great comfort to all true Christians, that they are dearer to Christ than mother, brother, or sister as such, merely as relations in the flesh would have been, even had they been holy. Blessed be God, this great and gracious privilege is ours even now; for though Christ’s bodily presence cannot be enjoyed by us, his spiritual presence is not denied us.”
Mark chapter 4’s parable of the Farmer scattering seed is a parable that I am sure can convict each of us in various ways. Verses 16 through 18 I am afraid can sometimes represent all too well the “soil” of our hearts… “The rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But like young plants in such soil, their roots don’t go very deep. At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word. The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things, so no crop is produced.” The crowding out of the Good News by the cares of this life and the desire for nice things is where I am afraid we miss the mark too often. And when we succumb to theses cares & desires, indeed, no crop is produced. However – I do pray that there are moments in life where we can see the amazing power & truth in verse 20: “But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s message and produce a huge harvest–thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.” I just pray for more consistency in our lives to live in verse 20 than in the previous verses… How is the soil of your heart? Which verses in this parable are you living in these days? Are you receiving God’s Word into your heart? Will you allowing God’s Word in your heart to produce a huge harvest?
Psalms – Psalm 37 verse 16 is powerful today – “It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and possess much.” I don’t know what I can add to this…. I think you probably get it. 🙂 Do you live it? Verse 23 is so amazing… “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives.” I don’t mean to infer that I am godly here… but, I will admit that there are times in my life where I really sense that God is directing my steps – and taking care of every detail. And basically, it feels like I am sort of just going with God’s flow. Things are just happening beautifully. And I do sense the Spirit often during these times. My sadness in this area is that I don’t realize that God is directing my steps all of the time. And that he is delighting in every detail of my life – most of the time… 🙂 I pray you and I will come to a greater awareness of this in our lives each and every moment: “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 5 – “A wise youth works hard all summer; a youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame” – for some reason reminds me of Paul’s writings in 2 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 2: “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Is the hour of opportunity upon you now? Will you stay awake for it? Is now the favorable time? Is now the day of salvation? Are you awake?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the Big Daddy Weave song “Redeemed:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU
Have you been redeemed? Click here for Redemption!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.” Psalm 37:16 NLT
Prayer Point: Pray that you will lead a godly life. Pray that you will pursue righteousness over riches.
Comments from You & Question of the Day – I realize that my reflections above in the OT section on clergy at churches receiving compensation might be controversial in some ways. What are your thoughts on your clergy receiving compensation? What are your thoughts on others in other types of ministry receiving compensation? Where do we draw the line of when ministry should be done with compensation or without compensation? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus,
Mike
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
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======= Ramona:
Leviticus 7:28-9:6
I don’t know why but the following was one of the verses that stood out to me in chapter eight, 5 Moses announced to them, “The LORD has commanded what I am now going to do!”
Why would God put this in the story because it seems clear from what has been written previously Moses did what God commanded Him to do? So why, after he called Israel to assemble and before Aaron and his son’s ordination, would God have Moses make this statement to the people? Was there something brewing in the minds of those Moses was called to lead? Back in Exodus when Moses’ Father-in-law advised him to appoint judges to administer decisions so Moses and the people wouldn’t be worn out waiting for Moses too decide every problem for them, God also called a “meeting” with Moses and the leaders letting them know that He wanted them to be a “kingdom of priests,” (Exodus 19:6) to Him as well as a holy nation. I may be wrong about this but my image or idea of priests is someone designated to hear from God for those who could or would not hear. This was an offer they turned down. (Exodus 20:19) Were they now trying claim the authority that came with the privilege of being a kingdom of priests, which they rejected and thus not entitled too? Moses did have a hard time with his people, people he and God would come to call stiff-necked.
In the same chapter, during the ordination ceremony, Moses does this, 24 Next he presented Aaron’s sons and put some of the blood on the lobe of their right ears, the thumb of their right hands, and the big toe of their right feet. He then sprinkled the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar.
This is about hearing, working and walking in the light of the truth of the redemptive power of God that the blood represents: The ear to hear always and above ever voice that cries out the Truth of Wisdom, which is the Word of God; The hands to do the work of the Lord under the power of redemption; and the feet to remain steadfast along the path of redemption. Lord may I always hear Your Truths and then walk in the Way of Truth while my hands set to do the Work You have called and ordained me to do.
In the ninth chapter there is an important verse which is relevant for us today even while we walk under the New Covenant, and possibly has more weight because we have a covenant based on better promise (Hebrews 8:6).
Leviticus 9:
6 Then Moses told them, “When you have followed these instructions from the LORD, the glorious presence of the LORD will appear to you.”
We have a covenant that is based on Mercy and Truth, we don’t have to have or buy cattle, sheep and goats to cleanse us from unrighteousness; however, we are still expected to obey. Has my disobedience, my rebellion kept me from having the “glorious presence” of the Lord from before me?
Let the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor [and of adequate financial support], especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain, and again, The laborer is worthy of his hire. [Deut. 25:4; Luke 10:7.] (1 Timothy 5:17-18 AMP)
And,
For in the Law of Moses it is written, You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the corn. Is it [only] for oxen that God cares? [Deut. 25:4.] Or does He speak certainly and entirely for our sakes? [Assuredly] it is written for our sakes, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher ought to thresh in expectation of partaking of the harvest. If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits? (1 Corinthians 9:9-11 AMP)
As I read today’s text, the thoughts that are expressed in the above verses came into my mind. God is concerned about those amongst us who are charged with Feeding His Sheep with Spiritual Food, the Word. No cheap pieces of meat were to be given for the support of the ministry and those assigned to minister. Only the best was to be offered, fine flour, the choice cuts of meat, fine linen.
Too often we give our leftovers, our rummage to those who are scraping together, working second and third jobs to provide for their families so that they can do what God has called them to do, minister the Gospel.
Jan, you speak of the compensation given to those who minister in so-called Mega-Churches. I don’t know of any church that at its roots, its beginning, started out as a Mega-Church. We speak of large churches as if we were walking by one day and, “Oops, where did that building come from with all those folks.”
I attend a church that 28 years ago began as a storefront with four members, the pastor his wife and two of their kids, membership is now 25,000 plus. It is a mega-church because the numbers showing up for worship began to exceed the number of seats available. Abuse of power or authority can happen in any church, even a house church. I live in Brooklyn, NYC, a borough that has as one of its nicknames, The Borough of Churches. I attend my church despite the cracks I see, the problem people, the things that “appear” to be abuse of power because the pastor is devoted to teaching the unadulterated Word of God. And like King David, if one is open for rebuke, God will send a Nathan to rebuke and correct, and if need be bring judgment.
Compensation is always a sticky item to discuss for ministry and paid staff because how much is too much or too little is all relative based on the person doing the evaluation point of reference and background. In the end the person will have to answer to God and those giving to a Church that is not a “Store-house” as stated in Malachi 3:10. The bottom line is this, no matter where you attend Church or have your fellowship, if you are giving to God He will reward you, if you are giving to the Pastor, the Church or a Denomination or Ministry, well, you will be looking toward them and not God for your reward.
There are great old edifices in NYC, magnificent buildings that once held thriving congregations over one-hundred years ago, that are now in disrepair because membership cannot sustain the ministry. Why? Why is it that a part of NYC known as the Borough of Churches, has a church where 25,000 plus people pass by on Sunday and Tuesdays on their way to worship? If you grow grass, the sheep will come, not grass no sheep or you have a congregation of week emaciated sheep. There are blocks in Brooklyn where every building on the block is a church, and across the street are three-four liquor stores. I dare say that people are looking for a “spirit” of some kind even if it is only “bottle spirits” but are they finding the true Holy Spirit?
If people are flocking to a church that is not of God, that is on them based on a passage in Jeremiah (14:16), because people who are being deceived are a party to their own deception. If one is looking for Truth, it will be found (Knock, Seek, Ask …). Truth cannot hang around deception or falsehood.
If leadership is demanding more then you think is appropriate, then walk, find another pastor. No one can do to you what you don’t allow. If you can’t see an accounting of how the monies are spent, run don’t walk to another sheepfold because the one you are in has a hireling for an overseer.
Mark 3:31-4:25:
Jesus gave us a new understanding of “relatives” in the section, who and what they are. The New Birth has given us new genetic coding. So to speak we have been re-gene-rated. Our inheritance and our bloodline are now based on the shed Blood of the Lamb that was slain for the sin of the world and we will find our new relations with those who do the will of the Father.
There is something we may miss out on in our reading of the Parable of the Sower or Farmer or to be precise in the explanation that Jesus gives. This Parable is the key to all the other Parables and this is not about theological discussion or understanding this is by Jesus’ own words. Before explaining this Parable to His disciples Jesus makes a most telling statement in verse 13 of the fourth chapter,
13 “But if you can’t understand this story, how will you understand all the others I am going to tell?
This Parable deserves a serious study. There is probably more here than we have ever imagined and maybe we should ask God to reveal every nuance to us, not just something we study in a commentary but something to give us Divine Revelation in our hearts so that we “get it.”
To bring home the seriousness of this bit of scripture in Mark, it ends with this admonishment by Jesus,
22 “Everything that is now hidden or secret will eventually be brought to light. 23 Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand! 24 And be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand–and even more, besides. 25 To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them.”
This is a message we need to take heed of and quickly.
Psalm 37:12-29
Sometimes I can go so caught up in the unfairness of life as I see it that I fail miserably to hear and do what verse seventeen is saying.
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the LORD takes care of the godly.
I act as if this injustice, if not corrected by me, usually that injustice is directed toward me, then it won’t be corrected. I act as if God is a senile old man, a-has-been, who won’t see wrongs unless I point them out to Him. I shake my little fist and God demanding He intervene right now! “God what are you doing up there letting everything go to seed,” I shout. Yet the wicked will be shattered and I will be taken care of the way God has planned for me.
Proverbs 10:5
Am I a “wise” youth in God’s economic scale? Or am I sleeping away opportunities along the path God has directed me to walk?
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Cory:
Ramona,
You add to the Timothy passage meaning that isn’t present in the original. It’s a stretch too far to say the honor (“time” in the Greek) accorded those who care for (“proistemi”) their fellow saints is a wage of some sort. The words of the period used for pay are not present here. Also, Paul uses the same word, time elsewhere in this letter and again in his letter to the Romans (12:10), saying we (i.e. all believers) ought to honor one another. Surely this doesn’t mean we ought to pay one another. This is the analogy Paul is making. the working ox : food :: the laborer : a wage :: the elder : honor and respect. Also, the notion of an offical “office” of some sort is wholy absent from the Greek. Paul is using functional language; not positional.
Regarding the 1 Corinthians passage, Paul is speaking of the plowman and the thresher not the shepherd. He is talking about the evangelist and the apostle, those like him who sow the seeds of the Gospel and establish new churches in an area; not the shepherd who cares for the flock he or she is among.
Cory
======= Ramona:
Cory,
Both times Paul quotes from Deuteronomy regarding muzzling the ox. So if we want to pull straws then no matter how you break up the Greek word used, is Paul talking about Oxen in his reference to the passage in Deut.? Are you saying that a pastor is supposed to take a vow of poverty or not be compensated for overseeing the Sheep of God’s house? Note that when I wrote my comments I wrote them independent of reading anyone else’s’ comments.
As I stated at the beginning of my comments, those verses came to my mind while reading today’s Old Testament passage. Notice thatI do a lot of free association or brain storming, out loud.
Ramona
========= John:
Ramona and Cory,
I think you are both right.
It is not a stretch to include the idea of a “price” in the Gk. word “time”
1)a valuing by which the price is fixed
a)of the price itself
b)of the price paid or received for a person or thing bought or sold
2)honour which belongs or is shown to one
a)of the honour which one has by reason of rank and state of office which he holds
b)deference, reverence
Certainly Cory’s comparisons make sense, except that the food and wages are “Tangible” and the idea of honor and respect is “intangible”.
Matt 15:6 uses a derivation of “time” to talk about “honouring” parents. In 1Co6:20 and 1Co7:23 Paul uses “time” as “price”. Also in other places in Acts, so it is not without precedant, although most of the time it is used by Paul as Cory stated. (no pun intended)
David Jeremiah has talked about double honour as being both honour and financial compensation. A portion of “honour and respect” and a portion of “financial compensation”. Ergo a “double honour”.
If I go to a restaurant, I will pay for my meal (physical nourishment). If I am fed spiritual food at my place of worship, I have no problem with compensating the provider.
John
======= Chip:
7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? 8 Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.”[b] Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10 Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
I Corinthians 9:7-14
In response to Cory, both here and in comments on my blog post:
I appreciate that viewpoint, but I think the entirety of the passage (beginning in verse 7) supports what I’ve said. To wit: Paul uses several “worldly” examples to support a Spiritual principle.
The soldier, the sower, and the shepherd all have a legitimate expectation of a material return for their labor. The Spiritual analogy applies to all three: those striving in Spiritual battle for Christ, those who plant the vineyard, and those who tend the flock.
All are servants of the Gospel, to be sure; but it is certainly supported Biblically that we should support them financially.
Chip
======= Cory:
I don’t want anyone to think I’m launching some sort of hit-and-run. I realize this is a sensitive issue, especially since the vast majority of professional ministers/clergy are (1) sincere in their faith, desire, and sense of calling; and (2) vastly underpaid for the work they are expected to do. I considered keeping my mouth shut, but without dialogue, how do we grow?
Ramona,
I understand you were the first to comment and take a position. I wasn’t “calling you out; just responding. I also understand yours was a “first-thoughts, thinking-out-loud” type of comment. It sounds like I came off as aggressive; my apologies. That said, there’s value in dialogue (even if we aren’t immediately – or ultimately – persuaded to the same postion,) so in that vein I responded once and am back to continue what I hope is a conversation and not a sparring match. So…
Yes, Paul is using the Deut. passage, which talks about oxen, as the foundation for his analogy. Where I think we go off, in in the application we draw from Paul’s analogy.
About pastors and poverty: Those who by virtue of their spiritual wisdom and maturity are recognised as overseers among us ought to work just like everyone else in the body. The NT knows nothing of a professional pastorate. (We must not confuse apostolic church-planting with oversight and shepherding within a church.)
Finally, I appreciate you “pushing back.” It helps me to think thru things more fully. It is a gift to me. I hope others are benefiting as well.
John,
Looking thru the NT usage of “time” again, I can give you a meaning of value (and in that sense price,) but I can’t go all the way to wage, particularly when Paul uses a more immediate term (“oyonion”) for wage elsewhere, even within 1 Cor. So, the passages you mention refer to the great value – the honor of Christ – which was given for us. We can only press wage into this meaning if we use an accounting metaphor to understand the work accomplished on the Cross. (I’m not saying that this isn’t a potentially useful metaphor; just that it is only a metaphor, one of several that can be useful.)
I think the Paul’s metaphor continues well: The ox and laborer perform physical labor, but the overseer performs spiritual labor. I realize that Paul makes a jump from spiritual labor to physical harvest in 1 Cor 9., but there Paul is talking about himself and his fellow apostolic workers; not the elders and overseers within a particular church.
Chip,
Again, I think we are wrong to extend Paul’s language and lump local overseers in with extra-local church-planters. The “we” here is Paul and his fellow apostolic workers. It isn’t the elders and overseers within the Corinthian church.
Cory
======= Ramona:
Cory,
Let us then agree to disagree. I have been journaling and questioning God long enough to know that when I’m wrong in the understanding of His Word, He comes in and the most unusual times (unusual for me but always on time for Him, too kind of bop me on my head.)
Ramona
======= Betty:
Just a quick note on the clergy receiving their payment from the church-Paul also makes note of this in I Corinthian 9. He relates that he is an apostle and as such has certain rights-however, he did not use those rights as he worked as a tentmaker to avoid the charge that he was using the gospel for personal gain as many false teachers were doing at this time. Guess not much has changed in 2000 years!
Another verse I just love is Psalms 37:23! I love to meditate on the idea that God delights in us! It is hard for me sometimes to understand the great love God has for us, I tend to get lost in the unworthy aspect of our beings-but every once in awhile God gives me a gift of revelation of His great love. I like to compare it to the way I feel about my children and now grandchildren. Watching them, I sometimes get upset because of their choices and/or mistakes that I so easily see; and yet, my love for them does not change because they have made a mistake, I love them because they are mine! -and I delight in them, especially when I know their love for me. How wonderful to realize that God set up our families so we would have a small inkling of the great love of our LORD!
Betty
======= Mick:
God directing my steps has moved me so much. Also, everyone’s great comments, what a blessing you all are. This one year bible journey is changing lives.
Mick
======== Micah Girl:
This morning I was totally awed by Aaron–the guy who not too long ago was making a golden calf and showing a tremendous lack of leadership–is now being ordained into serving the living God. He has been redeemed and is useful to God. Wow. What an encouragement that God is gracious and forgiving and uses flawed people for his holy purposes.
Micah Girl
======= Jan:
I don’t have a problem with pastors, teachers, apostles, evangelists, prophets,etc, being paid or getting compensation as you say. BUT…I came out of a Mega Church & have yet to go back into such an establishment. We are “the church” & some of us don’t get paid with money for what we do in His Name (I teach, preach, prophesy everday day when given the opportunity), but our compensation will be Eternal (as theirs will be also). We as “the Church” will be compensated eternally & that is what I am looking forward to. Anything that lasts for eternity is better than receiving what is temporal in the here & now.
Some Mega churches are actually run as a business & that quinches the Holy Spirit greatly because everthing is run on “a program” & God forbid that you deviate from the program & let the Holy Spirit take over. I know this is not true for all Mega Churches, but it is rare if it does happen (forgetting the program & letting God be God & take over the sermon/actions/behavior of the day). Quenching the Holy Spirit is not something we want to do…none of us. I have often wondered how hard the pastor’s heart has become that when the moving of the Holy Spirit is so evident & yet He is shut down because of time restraints…that is why I like the concept of the Home Churches that are becoming more prevelant as the days pass. In the End Times/Days…the Mega Chruches will not be standing, they won’t be allowed too, most everything will be hidden & underground anyway due to the pressure of being recognized as a Christian…much the same in Acts/Jesus’ Day.
Don’t mistake what I’m saying here…every pastor of a church should be paid, they have to pay their bills also; it is the “big business” of the Gospel that turns my stomach.
This is very greivous to me & the Holy Spirit & it is hard for me to sit under ones ministry when this is going on…I don’t. I can’t imagine how greived the Holy Spirit is if I’m so grieved myself. It truly breaks my heart…think about His heart breaking in this issue/circumstance.
Jan
======= John:
Compensation for Pastors,
I guess I am lucky. My pastor’s designated function is to “teach” the Word of God. The church is run by us (the body of Christ). Elders and Deacons meet and make decisions and take paths – we the church body vote to affirm or deny those paths. Perhaps this works, because we are relatively small to medium sized church.
I go to this place to worship: because they do Teach the Bible, I feel God in our midst during worship, and the leadership has been touched by God for their roles. (above three are my perceptions).
That being said, as I stated earlier when asked about “offerings”. I give. The leadership utilizes. If it is not utilized correctly, that is between them and God. On my part, I give because I am instructed (by God) to give back a portion of what was his from the beginning.
John
======= Stacey:
I am praising God today for Jesus words in Mark 4:9-12, 34, 35 where He explains that disciples (including us!) do have the ability to hear and understand beyond what the crowd perceives. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit is counselor and guide and that He does open up God’s word to those who choose to be Jesus disciples. Leviticus again reminds us of a Holy God. To approach Him we come the new and living way with sins forgiven by the blood of Jesus. After our initial salvation, we can press in and spend time with God and ask Him to explain that which we don’t understand. The miracle of it all is that He will receive us and He will teach us everything that we need to know for life and Godliness. 1 Cor 2 goes into depth on the subject. May God bless you all with more knowledge and wisdom that you might know Him better and better each day.
Stacey
======= Laura:
Well, here’s my two cents on the clergy compensation issue. First, I think the differentiation between clergy and laity is false. The NT supports the notion that all in the church are ministers and, indeed, priests (Rev. 1:6). That being said, there is a difference between those in professional ministry and those in volunteer ministry. Professional ministers are paid so that they can devote time to ministry. The need for professional ministers differs by church and community culture. There seems to be no scriptural mandate for professional ministry, though various accounts of Paul and apostles/evangelists/missionaries receiving monetary assistance leaves room for it. So, while the teaching in Leviticus certainly supports the notion of paid clergy, we must be sure to compare apples and apples.
In the OT there is a clear priesthood. In the NT this is not the case; all are priests (and, yes, I realize this is a Protestant perspective, but I also believe it to be scriptural). So, local congregations, if they determine that professional ministers are needed for effective ministry in their communities, should then pay their ministers a living wage. Yes, there is abuse—both in underpaid and overpaid professional ministers (though underpaid is more common)—so congregations must use wisdom. If the congregation functions effectively without professional ministers, that is good. If the congregation functions most effectively with professional ministers, that is also good.
Laura
======= Don:
My thought on this is that compensation is good in moderation. Paul took none, he prefered to work with his own hand doing secular things to maintain himself – tent making… But that was his personal choice, and he had no wife / children to support, we must remember. Some other apostles got some compensation, and again that was their choice. The scripture does say not to muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn, and “the labourer is worthy of his reward” – Deuteronomy 25, 1 Corinthians 9, and Timothy 5…
Fat cat pay is over the top for a christian worker though, I feel. If a minister has a really large organisation, I think he should still take only enough for his needs and plough the rest back into the ministry. If he had been doing some secular work which the Lord blessed to such a great extent, I am sure he would have given a lot to the work of the church anyway… But serving directly as God’s servant, the Lord Himself is his reward, and his provider, and the one who brings the increase and blesses his own work… And He has also laid aside a huge retirement home for his servants in heaven – plus the best reward of all, being in God’s presence and praising Him for all eternity! So should such a minister draw a huge salary? I don’t think so…
Don
======= Jenny:
The parable of the seed is in regards to the gospel of Jesus to unbelievers hearing the word. All true believers are those who had good soil, but it is up to us to cultivate and continue to grow in the Lord and bear fruit.
I want to share what my study bible says:
The “word” as referred to in v 14 is the salvation gospel. The responses:
“v 16. Receives it with gladness. An enthusiastic, emotional, yet superficial response to the gospel that does not take into account the cost involved.
v.17 No root. Because the person’s heart is hard like stony ground, the gospel never takes root in the individual’s soul and never transforms his life- there is only a temporary, surface change.
Tribulation and persecution. Not the routine difficulties and troubles with life, but specifically the suffering, trials, and persecutions which result form one’s association with God’s word.
Quickly fall away (or stumble): the superficial believer is offended, stumbles, and falls away when his faith is put to the test.
v.19 Cares of this world. A preoccupation with the temporary issues of this present age blinds a person to any serious consideration of the gospel.
v. 20 Hear…accept…produce a crop (bear fruit). Three present particles mark continuing action. Believers, in contrast to unbelievers, hear God’s word because God allows him to hear it. They “accept” it—they understand and obey because god opens their mind and heart and transforms their lives. The result is that they will produce spiritual fruit.”
Tomorrow we will read about the growing seed (in believers) which my study Bible says about vs. 26-29: this parable is recorded only by Mark and complements the parable of the sower by explaining in more depth the results of spiritual growth accomplished in good soil.
In Psalms, I’m just meditating on what promises to His followers:
“but the LORD upholds the righteous. The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither”
“For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever”
I simply LOVE these vs.:
23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way,
he makes his steps firm; . ———-> amen!
24 though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand. —-> sooo true!
25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken”
verse 25 often comes to my mind. I think God puts it on my heart when I’m worried, like He’s saying, be still and just rest in Me, I will take care of you. I have told you, as my child, I will never forsake you!
Also, since I am getting older, tho not old, I am seeing more n more. I am seeing people who have lived Godly reaping the fruit. I’m seeing the ungodly yielding bad fruit or reaping the consequences, n its heart breaking really.
Um, I’m not gonna get too deep into what I think should be done concerning compensating pastors because I don’t feel that’s my business, I give to the Lord. Of course the funds should be given to ministry work, missionaries, getting the word out. I go to a church where I fully trust them. My pastor is the shepard of my church and he feeds me. A good church isn’t even gonna ask ppl to give, but God will put that desire in their hearts.
Of course I’m against any type of fraud, playing on ppl’s emotions to get money like some of those phony televangelists who beg for money, use the money to get themselves multiple houses n fancy cars, etc. Those men are in God’s hands n woe to those who use God’s name in a way to manipulate ppl n steal from them! But a joyful giver will be blessed by God no matter what. God looks at our heart, that is my responsibility.
Jenny
======= Mae:
Verses that stood out for me today:
Leviticus 9:6 “And Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded you to do so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you”.
Mark 4:24 “Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more”.
Psalm 37:16 “It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich”.
Psalm 37:18 “For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly”.
Proverbs 10:5 “A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace”.
Reading Psalms gave me the chills, I love Psalms so much!!!! I love the points that are made in Psalms. It’s all so true and has such wonderful messages that make you think, make you wonder and make your heart warm.
Mae
======= Phil:
The discussion on paying clergy made me think more about the readings a week ago regarding the tabernacle. The OYB daily companion says that the value of the gold used to build the tabernacle was around $10M in today’s dollars. Being a natural tight-wad, this struck me as ridiculous. Can you imagine if your church wanted to raise $10M to build a statue or a cross? While this isn’t truly analagous, it’s more a just thought-provoking question for me.
What I take from this is Yes, it’s OK (in fact it’s good) to be extravagant on things that really matter. I need to spend money to create traditions, rituals and heirlooms that can have a lasting impact on my family, friends and fellow saints. I’m reminded of my wedding last year that cost a fortune… and was worth every penny.
Phil
======= Bill:
I think that people who perform “staff” work should be compensated in some sort of order of preference. The secretary/office manager, the treasurer, and the worship leader are some of the more important positions because they require weekly (at least) work, while other people usually work for a while and then take some time off.
Bill
======= Elizabeth
Hello Mike and Everyone,
Interesting question today with regard to compensation for folks in the ministry. I don’t “begrudge” paying anyone for their work in the ministry–it’s certainly hard and worthwhile work!
I do think it can muddy motives in certain situations and that concerns me a little. For example, our Children’s Ministry offers a stipend for certain leadership positions. Children’s Ministry is notorious for being labor intensive and difficult to retain volunteers. BUT, I think that people should be moved by their HEART to serve the Lord in this capacity–feel like the stipend (though paltry) can muddy the intent of one’s heart. Just my impressions here…not trying to start a debate! : )
On another note, I am working diligently to better understand Leviticus. My husband and I have been commenting on the physical realities of all these animal sacrifices–so much blood and fire. Yuck–the place must have stunk! (not trying to be irreverent, just thinking about what it would be like to spread that blood over the sides of the altar, on the curtain, poured at the base….all that fat and burning)
I have found several comments worthwhile in my commentaries/bible.org reading with regard to Leviticus–here are some of them:
****************
I have been enjoying reflecting on the facets of “the diamond” of Christ as our sacrifice….
“God has devoted much space in His Word to the offerings and their ordinances because they are important to Him. Here in beautiful imagery the Person and work of His Son can be seen in minute detail. Like the different facets of a diamond, these types all reflect the resplendent glory of Him “who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God” (Heb_9:14).”
-Believer’s Bible Commentary
*****************
I like this thought below about “newness”—God longs to keep our relationship and dependence on Him a “fresh” and “new” thing—reminds me of His philosophy with manna too:
“Anything remaining after two days had to be burned (v. 17); to eat such meat would cause the person to be “cut off,” meaning excommunicated or removed from the privileges of the people of Israel. “This shows,” John Reid writes, “that communion with God must be fresh and not too far removed from the work of the altar.”
-Believer’s Bible Commentary
*****
Great point here by Deffinbaugh—in our culture, we’d rather debate and take a consensus vote to determine what is sinful–but that’s not the point!:
“Sin is that which God defines as evil.
Some have tried to show a good reason for every prohibition. For example, they would try to demonstrate that the “unclean” foods of the Bible were those which would be detrimental to a society which had no refrigeration, or whatever. I think this misses the point. Sin is whatever God says is sin, whether or not we have a good explanation for why it is evil. Obedience is best evidenced by our willingness to do something which we would rather not do, for reasons we don’t understand, simply because God says so. Some sins of the Old Testament are arbitrary, in my opinion, and purposefully so, to teach the people of God to trust and to obey a God whose thoughts are higher than the thoughts of men.”
-Deffinbaugh
Elizabeth
======= Luch:
Re finding a church where there is a singular ‘senior or lead pastor’ is something i find woefully lacking in the New testament. In fact, i wonder if a lot of our distress in our churches these days is that we have put a weight on singular leaders that the Lord never intended but now we have become so dependent on this ‘model’ or ‘approach’ that we have made it ‘the way’ to church growth (another distressing term)
Amazing to me how we tend to resort to old covenant models of leadership. I have no doubt we can learn in a descriptive way about leadership from the OT. Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, Esther, so many examples but not one of them is laid down as being ‘prescriptive leadership models for new covenant folks’.
in any case, I don’t want to argue about this. I think it’s safer to live in an imperfect church context with a plurality of leaders as I believe we see most of in NT as opposed to an approach that identifies a church by ‘its pastor’. I have yet to see one example in the NT of a church that was led by a MAN or WOMAN. oh ya, there is one i think in 3 john. His name is Diotrephes(3 John 9) and all it says is that ‘he loves to be first’.
People will argue that Peter was like a lead pastor. Maybe those folks should read 1 peter 5:1-4 where peter addresses the elders “to the elders among you I appeal as a fellow elder..”
Operative phrase “as a fellow elder’ not ‘chief elder’. He says later ‘when the Chief Shepherd’ appears…” There is really only one Head of the Church and it’s not your pastor or my pastor. It’s the Lord Jesus Christ and the rest of us are his ‘under shepherds’. Having said that, Hebrews 13:7 speaks of Obeying your leaders. Doesn’t say ‘leader’. Plural.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 says to respect
our leaders and hold ‘them’ in high regard because of ‘their work’. Often the terminology is in the ‘plural’. I don’t believe the apostle Paul was the ‘lead or senior pastor’ of anything.
And having said all this, I do believe that ‘elders who work hard at preaching and teaching are worthy of double honour’ which means ‘pay those those who are investing the majority of their time in a vocational way to ministry. But this doesn’t mean that their ‘work’ is more important than anyone else’s. It’s all ministry if we are doing it in Jesus’ name and doing it in a way where ‘whether we eat or drink, do whatever you do to the glory of God.’
Luch
======= Christina:
Mike, in regards to the OT reading today, in my heart
if God instituted it then that is the way it should be. God never changes. He knew back then that this could be abused but He made this His rule! Personally, I’m sure that there is greed out there but I have never known a “rich” pastor personally. God bless you! You are doing such a great job and I really appreciate all your hard work!
Christina
======== Steve:
Leviticus 7:28-9:6
As I thought about the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, I wondered how this applies to me. Then it hit me, even if we’re not a priest or pastor, we still have a ministry and responsibility. The description of the clothes the priest wore distinguishing him from ordinary people applies to us also, as Christians we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, what can be more distinguishing than that? This is holy work; we’re to present ourselves holy and blameless before the Lord, dedicated and set apart, weaned from the currents of this world. Our holy duties are to walk in the spirit, humble ourselves before the Lord and produce fruit that affect those around us in Godly ways. Our offering is to present ourselves before the Lord God, holy and blameless; this is our sweet soothing aroma that pleases Him.
Steve
======= Jennifer:
I think paying church clergy is required and we should give. The Psalm we read today provide enough support for this. We are all called to speak what is whispered to us, but for those called to minister and lead we must provide for them with a grateful and thankful heart. I agree with Ramona, church can be anywhere a storefront, a mega church, or a house, but it must be founded on the word.
Jennifer
====== Neil:
I believe that the people who minister the word faithfully should be remunerated well. Where the model breaks down for me is in the area of tele evangelists. Tele evangelists can serve people who have no way of going to a church and participating in the life of other christians. However, when they take and ask for more and more and yet their yield is low and their caring is also low and their prophesies are untrue, then these tarnish the name of Christ. Unfortunately, the general public see Christians through this prism which is out of step of how everyday Christians go about living and caring for others.
Neil
======= Celia:
I am in agreement with Neil and Jennifer; Ministers need to survive and support their family too so I don’t have any problem with them being paid a salary. It is unfortunate that a lot of people think they profit (enrich) themselves with the tithes and they don’t see how not only the immediate community but other organizations benefit from this.
Celia
======= Jeff:
The parable of the sower caused me to look further at the question: Why did Jesus speak in parables anyway?
1. One reason is certainly provided in verse 9 today: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” In other words, just like the point of the parable of the sower, Jesus knows that some people will listen to and understand and accept into our hearts the words of God; while many will not. What are some other reasons He spoke in parables?
2. By speaking indirectly, He gave his enemies insufficient grounds to arrest Him for blasphemy.
3. To fulfill Old Testament prophecy: see for example His reference in verse 12 in today’s reading from Isaiah 6:9,10 and also Psalms 78:1-4
These are three reasons I can think of, but there are probably others as well.
Godspeed to All
Jeff
===== Bev:
How much more do we remember when told in a parable? We also understand better with a visual in our minds. Jesus was a most excellent speaker and teacher. Ministers have a right to payment in order to do their best work. Some however do not take pay and trust in God to provide. Probably a matter between them and God.
Bev
======= Bob:
Pastor Wages: Quick word on my pastor who used to be an auto mechanic making $45/hr. Now if you count his 60hr week, he probably makes $5/hr as a minister. I asked him once what is the hardest thing you do? His reply: Ministry. Why does one do this then? If you have never had the “fire in your gut” feeling towards what God has called you for, unfortunately, I don’t think you will understand.
Bob
======== Russ:
Our church chooses to be open about its finances. I like this, everyone can see how our offerings our spent. If someone doesn’t agree with it, then they are free to go to some other church. I believe this helps keep the focus on God and not on people.
Russ
======= Joyce:
Mark 3:31-4:25
What privilege and what joy that anyone who does God’s will is Jesus’ brother and sister and mother!
Thank God for this privilege!
I appreciate the opportunity today to reflect on the condition of my heart:
Are “the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things” crowding out God’s Truth?
Or am I humble, teachable, and accepting of God’s teaching, that I may bear fruit for Him?
May it more often be the latter!
Sincerely,
Joyce
======= Jill:
Mark chapter 3 verses 33-35 make an impact on me each time I read it: “Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” This really sums up our earthly relationships! We need to relinquish control of family and rem we are a part of Gods family. Brother and sister in Christ. End of story. Although we hold tightly to our family connections. I’ve experienced this first hand and know God has bigger plans and can’t wait for my earthly family to meet all my needs
Jill
======= Barry:
I’m completely supportive of paid professional trained clergy. I see it is scriptural to support those that dedicate their lives to the ministry.
However, I have completely divorced myself from professionally led congregations where the paid staff claim special privileges, titles, and powers. Jesus said not to call anyone teacher, pastor, or father for there is only one teacher, pastor, or father. When a paid congregation member lead worship they do not have special God given powers to forgive sins or administer the sacraments.
When we allow this to happen we set up women and men to gods and they ain’t. Don’t do it.
Barry
======= Charles:
Compensation is clearly ok, how much is the question. “What is fair?” ultimately leads to trust in the godliness of leadership. If trust is lost, then people walk away. However, just to point out that Jesus attended and gave/paid as required to the Jewish temple – a leadership he criticized for its corruption. He even praised a widow who gave everything she had to this corrupt institution (which we will read later in Mark 12). He did not say to the widow, stop giving here and save your money, and go somewhere else. So it would seem our attitude before God is most important.
Charles
======== Robert:
Leviticus
Ramona I like your take on church. A couple of years ago our family went from a 150 member church to one of 2000 members when we moved to another city. Each has different pros and cons. Its what you make of it and as long as God is there, worship is possible. I am so blessed because we have choices. I do enjoy comparing the various leadership roles each has. A very hard job. I can’t imagine the strange sacrifice rituals described here and then God patiently watching every minute detail. I always wonder how the people around the Tabernacle felt as they smelled that delicious aroma of a Texas Barbeque going on. Sometimes, I envy our Ministers with all the perks they get. LOL.
Robert
======= Dee:
Lev 7:28-9:6
So Aaron and his sons are set apart and partake in peace offerings-They have a rightful share-as being set apart-as priests.
Awe-the dressing of Aaron in his priestly robes , and then the priestly robes on Aaron’s sons-They are preparing them for priesthood.
Mark 3:31-4:25
This is the section where so many were confused. When Jesus mother’ and brothers came to see him and he looked around in astonishment – who are my mothers & brothers ?
Looking around he said you are my mother n brothers-anyone who does willof Father is my mother, brother, &sister.
That created a very confusing thought in lots of hearts – however he taught wherever he went using parables.
Jesus wants us to have understanding and listen- Be a light for all to see.
Come to him with open hearts, minds, and clean hands
Ps 37:12-29
The wicked will get their day in court(so to speak)
It is better to be godly with little than rich and evil.
The Lord takes care of the innocent.
Prov 10:5
Be prepared and harvest during summer don’t slumber!
Dee
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