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Day 1133: “A Portion of the Offering”
1 Corinthians 9:13
Don't you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?
Thoughts for Today:
In Numbers 18:8-9, God provided a way for the priests of the temple who served Him to receive compensation: "Then the LORD said to Aaron, 'I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion, your perpetual share. You are to have the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the fire. From all the gifts they bring me as most holy offerings, whether grain or sin or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons.'" There are various other Scriptural references for this practice (see Leviticus 7:6-10, Numbers 18:8, and Deuteronomy 18:1-4).
The phrase "serve at the altar" (from our passage today) reflects the concept of "continual service". God has firmly established that those who regularly serve in ministry are to receive a portion of the offering as their personal material support. The same is true today.
Questions to Ponder:
God has instructed that Pastors are to receive a certain portion of the offering. Does your Pastor's compensation reflect generosity or penny-pinching? Is your church following the Lord's teaching in this matter?
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About the author
Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.
The Pocket Testament League is a 118 year old Christian outreach ministry that promotes Scripture reading and personal evangelism.