BLESSING IN SERVING
Deut 18:1-8 TLB "Remember that the priests and all the other members of the Levite tribe will not be given property like the other tribes. So the priests and Levites are to be supported by the sacrifices brought to the altar of the Lord and by the other offerings the people bring to him….They don't need to own property, for the Lord is their property! That is what he promised them! The shoulder, the cheeks, and the stomach of every ox or sheep brought for sacrifice must be given to the priests. In addition, the priests shall receive the harvest samples brought in thanksgiving to the Lord-the first of the grain, the new wine, the olive oil, and of the fleece at shearing time…. "Any Levite, no matter where he lives in the land of Israel, has the right to come to the sanctuary at any time and minister in the name of the Lord,… He shall be given his share of the sacrifices and offerings as his right, not just if he is in need. “
Heb 13:17 AMP “Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]. “
The Levites where a select group of Israelites set apart solely for duties regarding worship in God’s temple. Worship in the Old Testament was very demanding; it involved sundry sacrifices, burning of incense, candles and cleaning, it required complete devotion. For instance, the candles have to keep burning twenty four hours of the day. The duties of the Levites gave no room for a personal job thus necessitating a welfare scheme for them.
Under the New Testament, Old Testament rituals are done away with through Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price for our sins by the sacrifice of His sinless body as atonement for our sins. However, the duties of the Levites are demonstrated through the services of our spiritual leaders – pastors, evangelists, teachers, prophets, apostles. These persons have dedicated their lives to seeing that our divine purposes in life are fulfilled. They are commanded by God to watch over , feed, protect, direct and comfort us through fasting ,prayer and the word .They are committed to doing this regardless of their circumstances. I was once diagnosed of an enlarged heart due to sleep deprivation and stress. It was life threatening and by the grace of God I survived the seven month ordeal , however , while in the hospital I kept preparing daily devotionals ,had counseling and prayers for distressed persons. My doctor was amazed at the devotion to ministry and I told him it is what gives me true joy and it’s typical of those called of the lord to serve. My major source of strength was the love exhibited by family, friends and my local church assembly, who fasted, cried to the lord, gave their best to make sure I pulled through.
Those who minister in the church receive some of the money given as offerings, 1 Tim 5:17-18 AMP says “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.Gal.6:6] We should prayerfully seek for ways to demonstrate our love for our spiritual leaders through small notes of encouragement , gifts ,special meals, vacations etc . There are faithful pastors, wise teachers around us, we should seek for ways to honour them ; the reward is enormous and outlives us.
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and grace for uncommon promotion and increase in provisions in Jesus name.
Free prayer/counseling +2348098536911,+2348035536911 , email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com 
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