by tumaini lutenta | 5 February 2025 08:46 am02
Answer: Let’s take a closer look at Scripture…
Leviticus 7:9 (NKJV) says:
“Also every grain offering that is baked in the oven and all that is prepared in the covered pan, or in a pan, shall be the priest’s who offers it.”
The word “oven” here (translated from the Hebrew word “tannur”) refers to a clay or stone oven used in ancient Israel for baking bread or cakes—what we today call an oven. These ovens were common household items and often used to prepare offerings.
In this passage, God is giving clear instructions regarding grain offerings—also called meal offerings (Hebrew: minchah). These were offerings of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and could be offered baked or unbaked. When baked, they were to be offered in ovens, pans, or griddles (see Leviticus 2).
These offerings were part of the Levitical sacrificial system, and God ordained that the portion not burned on the altar was to be given to the priests—the sons of Aaron—as their portion of provision.
Leviticus 7:10 (NKJV) continues:
“Every grain offering, whether mixed with oil or dry, shall belong to all the sons of Aaron, to one as much as the other.”
This shows God’s justice and provision for all priests who served in His house. It ensured fairness among the priestly class—each had a share in what was brought to God, regardless of who offered it that day.
The principle is simple but powerful:
Those who serve God full-time should be supported by the offerings brought to Him. This was not just an Old Testament law but a divine pattern that continues into the New Testament.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul affirms this same principle:
1 Corinthians 9:13–14 (NKJV):
“Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar?
Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”
Paul references the Levitical system to justify the ongoing principle that ministers of the Gospel should receive their livelihood from their ministry. This is not a man-made idea, but a direct command from the Lord (see also Luke 10:7: “the laborer is worthy of his wages”).
Today, some people are hesitant to give to ministers or churches because of abuses and scandals in some circles where the Gospel has been turned into a business. And yes, 2 Peter 2:1–3 warns us that there would be false teachers who exploit others with deceptive words for personal gain.
But this does not mean that all ministers are corrupt or that we should stop giving altogether. Paul himself acknowledged that some preach Christ from selfish ambition (Philippians 1:17), yet he rejoiced that Christ was still being preached.
We must not let the enemy discourage us from obeying God’s Word. Supporting those who preach and teach the Gospel is not only a biblical mandate—it is also a form of worship and a source of blessing for the giver (see Philippians 4:17–19).
Don’t let the enemy rob you of the joy and blessing that comes from giving to God’s work. Christianity is not a passive belief—it’s an active spiritual journey, and giving is part of our worship and warfare.
Galatians 6:6 (NKJV):
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.”
When you give to those who minister God’s Word, you are fulfilling Scripture, strengthening the Church, and storing up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21).
Please share this truth with others.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2025/02/05/54361/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.