Welcome to the 20th day of the episodes of joy preparatory feast. We are witnesses to the faithfulness of God in whose grace we have soared. The journey that appeared far at the beginning is now just one day to complete. To God be all the glory.
Today, we shall be looking at another important revelation that needs to be well understood, appropriated and applied.
Topic: DRAWING FROM DELIBERATE DELIVERIES Text: Matt.10:40-42
As earlier informed, the devils know a lot about divine principles that make for success in life and don’t hesitate to hinder people from knowing them and or applying them; hence the decay in marriages, castigation of gospel ministers by the press due to the activities of a few bad eggs. This in turn affects the generality of the society; and has crept into the church where currently, many put no value on their pastors, to their own detriment.
From our text, the Lord Jesus strategically ended the session with His disciples with the revelation on investing in Kingdom’s subjects/citizens. (NB. Matt.11:11; Eph.2:6) He first equated Himself with His disciples and extended it to the Father (Matt.10:40).
Then, categorize the citizens viz Prophet, Righteous (honourable) man, Young (humble) disciple; and address their respective rewards. The Greek word ‘misthos’ translated reward, was also rendered hire, wages, etc.
(1). The Prophet’s Pay
The prophet is God’s oracle. He is given to speak on God’s behalf. This is the class of Gospel ministers (Heb.5:12). He has the Power to BLESS so that the divine Blessing will rest on men (Prov.10:22 cp. Gen.20:17-18, Ezk.44:30). He is a father (Judg.17:10; 18:19; 2Kgs2:12; 6:20,21; 1Cor.4:15; 1Tim.1:2; 2Tim.1:2).
‘Venison’ will elicit a prophet’s reward which has the capacity to change destinies (1Kgs.17:12-16, 2Kgs.4:8-17, 3:15).
The believer should value his pastor and make him joyful (1Cor.9:9,10;13-15; Gal.6:6). Living in the awareness that whatever he gives him is an investment is a plus (Heb.13:16; Phil.4:17,18).
(2). The Righteous man’s reward
The Righteous man in our context is that saved person and has developed to possess the awareness of unfettered access to the throne (Heb.4:16, Gal.4:6,7). Such are the likes of Old Testament saints that could make result-oriented arguments in prayer like Job, Daniel etc (Ezk.14:14-20; Dan.9:1-20). They intercede successfully.
(3). The Humble’s Hire
The “humble” in our context is that believer that is humble in rank or influence and so needs material support. The Lord has an interest in his welfare and commends those that support them (Prov.19:17, Matt.10:42; 25:40; cp. Matt.18:5-6).
The believer must develop to a state of awareness that his investment into the kingdom is not for the vain praise of the recipient (Matt.6:1-4), nor a matter of pitying a minister; but rather a responsibility (Acts 20:35) and a high yielding investment (2Cor.8:12, 9:6-8, Gal.6:7-10).
Let’s rise to declare our commitment to giving with a mentality of having not done enough (Lk.17:10), and the Lord is the Rewarder (2Cor.8:10-12; 9:6-8)