Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:8-14.

 

“⁸ I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I?  Or does not the Law also say these things?  ⁹ For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.”  God is not concerned about oxen, is He?  ¹⁰ 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.  ¹¹ If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?  ¹² If others share the right over you, do we not more?  Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.  ¹³ Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar?  ¹⁴ So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  1 Corinthians 9:8-14. 

 

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The simple and clear primary message of today’s Scripture is that Pastors are entitled to get paid through receiving a share of the offerings made to the church.  The purpose of this devotion is to focus on this concern of God and this provision by God as giving us insight into the justice of God and the generosity of God.  

 

First of all, we see the commandment of God.  “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.”  This commandment demonstrates the concern of God.  “God is not concerned about oxen, is He?  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.”  Verses 9 and 10.   

 

We then read the conclusion which demonstrates the direct provision of God.  “So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.”  Verse 14. 

 

We think about the justice of God and remember other Scripture from the Old Testament.  As one example, I think of the blessing of Boaz (a type or representative of Christ) upon Ruth.  “May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”  Ruth 2:12. 

 

Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.”

 

And God is not stingy as some employers may be, tightly hanging on to the coins and reluctantly and begrudgingly giving them to their employees one by one because they must justly do so.  God is generous!

 

2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”

 

James 1:5
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

                                         

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard also teaches us that God is generous, particularly with His laborers.  “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own?  Or is your eye envious because I am generous?’”  Matthew 20:15. 

 

 

“… Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?  You of little faith!  Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’   For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things;  for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6:33. 

 

 

Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”