Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 13—Paul’s Recognition of the System
The apostle here referred to the Lord’s plan for the maintenance of the priests who ministered in the temple. Those who were set apart to this holy office were supported by their brethren, to whom they ministered spiritual blessings. “Verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law.” Hebrews 7:5. The tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord for the sacred offices pertaining to the temple and the priesthood. Of the priest it was said, “The Lord thy God hath chosen him ... to stand to minister in the name of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 18:5. One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own.... {CS 70.2}
It was to this plan for the support of the ministry that Paul referred when he said, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” And later, in writing to Timothy, the apostle said, “The laborer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:18.—The Acts of the Apostles, 335, 336. {CS 70.3}
The Lord as His own claimed One tenth of all the increase. The tribe of Levi received the assignment, from God, of taking care of the temple and ministering of the priesthood. Part of the increase was to go to the Levites for the upkeep of the churches, as they did not receive an inheritance. It was their honor and privilege to be custodians of the physical churches, and to minister to the people of God. The church took care of their needs, as churches today take care of the needs of the church and the less fortunate. God established this system for the furtherance of His work. For the needy, not the greedy. Let the laborer be worthy of his reward.
Dear kind and gracious Father,
We come to You in thanksgiving and prayer. We are so grateful to You for providing all our needs in abundance. We pray that You continue to bless us with the wherewithal to acquire means to give back to You for the furtherance of Your work. To be able to carry out the plan of salvation, of helping save souls for Your heavenly kingdom. Please help us to fulfill the needs of the church and the brethren who are not able. May we all be faithful in our giving and let none be robbers of Your treasury. Let the laborer be worthy of his reward. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
