In our New Testament passage for the day, Paul asserts the rights of an apostle. What kind of rights are those? The apostle should have the same rights as anyone else. He should be able to marry, to have a family, and to be supported by the work that God has called him to do. This is the same kind of right that a librarian, a teacher, a baker, a blacksmith, or a carpenter has. It differs in nothing. What is the work to which an apostle has been called? He should be free to do that work and be supported by it. What is the work to which a street sweeper has been called? He should be free to do that work and be supported by it.
Paul states something unusual about himself and Barnabas, that they engage in employment to earn money so as to avoid burdening Christ's people with their support. But this is unusual, Paul says, and it is something that should not be expected.
How do we do at caring for our pastors? How about those who care for our pastors in leadership positions that are not within the local church? How about those training to become pastors? I wonder how many churches that think they could probably use a part-time or even full-time additional member of the pastoral staff have decided they will continue as they are and fund a scholarship at a seminary? I wonder how many churches expect a pastor with many years of expensive collegiate training to labor tirelessly for them and to receive less in pay and benefits than they would expect in a job requiring half the training and which can be left behind at the office or the worksite?
May the Lord bless us to care for those who serve us.
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