“Kingdom workers need and deserve our support,” Stan commented one morning.
“I can agree with that,” I responded, “but why do you mention it?”
“I was reading about it in Luke’s gospel earlier this morning,” Stan replied. “I realized it’s something I don’t think about and something I don’t do as often as I should.”
“How so?” I said. “What were you looking at in Luke’s gospel?”
“Quick recap,” Stan replied. “It says that Jesus was traveling around from place to place proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve apostles were with Him, along with some women. It’s what those women were doing that caught my attention.”
“In what way?”
“It says that they were contributing to the support of Jesus and the twelve.”
“Supporting them how?” I asked. “With prayer?”
“Probably that,” Stan replied, “but it specifically mentions financial support. It seems to me that Luke probably included that part to show me that’s what I’m supposed to do.”
“Provide financial support for kingdom workers?”
“Absolutely,” Stan replied. “God has blessed me with the means to support His workers and He wants me to support His kingdom, not some of the other kingdoms.”
“Other kingdoms?” I questioned. “What other kingdoms?”
“How about the kingdom of self?” Stan replied. “Or how about the kingdom of the world, or of the flesh, or of the devil? Or all of them? There are a lot of ‘kingdoms’ that can be supported, but I think it’s God’s kingdom that’s to be the focus of my support with what He has provided.”
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Bible verses to consider:
And it came about soon afterwards, that He began going about from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses; Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. Luke 8:1-3.
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:15.
The worker is worthy of his support. Matthew 10:10.
And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. Galatians 6:6.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you have provided the way to you through your Son. Thank you for those who brought me to the truth of your provision so I could accept it and know I will spend eternity in your presence. Thank you, too, for those who you send into the world to proclaim the gospel and your kingdom. I confess that too often I do not support those workers the way you intend. Please forgive me. Please help me to follow every step of your lead in supporting kingdom workers just as you intend so your message of redemption and salvation is preached to the whole world, wherever that world may be. Thank you that I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: How is the truth of the gospel going to be presented so people can accept God’s free and gracious provision unless someone does it? And how can they do it unless they are sent with adequate support? What is your role in providing that support? If you sense the need for change in how you provide support, how is that going to happen? Is that what you want? Why or why not?
Waiting for the Train 