Two-minute read.
Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
1 Corinthian 9:10-11
Paul addresses the question of supporting God’s servants as they labor in their work. Giving his life to the Great Commission and sharing the Good News with the world, Paul argues that the church should support the efforts of those working for the Lord. Quoting Deuteronomy, the apostle makes his case:
“Do not muzzle the ox when it is treading out the grain.” Deut 25:4
In ancient times, while the oxen pulled the threshing sledge over the grain or treading it with their feet, the farmers fed them while they did their work. Placing a feeding bag over their mouths, the oxen received nourishment as they labored. Paul argues that caring for the cattle teaches us about the Lord’s care for us. Just as the plowman and the thresher expect God’s blessing when they do their work, those laboring for Christ expect the same as they share in the crop.
We need physical nourishment for our bodies to serve the Lord. As an ex-flight attendant, the company trained me to put an oxygen mask on myself before helping others do the same. If I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t help others breathe. In the same way, we need to support those working for the Lord, sharing the gospel. Helping nourish their physical bodies through tithing to the local church supports their mission and their bodies to do the work God called them to do.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us a mission and the resources to complete it. Please help us willingly support those working hard for You. When we see a need, allow us to meet the need, spurring Your laborers to do great things for You.
IJNIP. Amen
