Good Morning “Shepherds for the Right Reasons.” Today we are in Ezekiel 44.
Remember the Golden Calf? The Levites were originally chosen to lead Israel as priests after their willingness to assist in wiping out those who rebelled against God with their debauched Worship (Exodus 32).
God chose Aaron and His line to lead in Temple Worship. However, a further narrowing of the priestly line occurred at the time of David, when Zadok, the priest, successfully backed Solomon as David’s successor.
We see that here as well. Worship in the Millennial Kingdom Temple will continue, led by only priests from Zadok’s line. One might think that those chosen for a position like this would be showered with financial blessing from The Lord. However, also reiterated here are the “provision ordinances” for Priests which we first see in Deuteronomy 18:1-2. They will live off of sacrifices and have no land inheritance - their inheritance will be The Lord.
Priests / Shepherds were to care for the sheep and be cared for by Nation of Israel but not profit from their care (Ezekiel 34:1-10). This idea is reiterated in 1 Peter 5:1-3. Those who live by The Gospel are maintained by The Gospel but are not to exploit it! Serving should never be about the money lest the heart become divided or worse yet focused only on the money (Matthew 6:24).
At the extreme, are some of the nations foremost “Prosperity Gospel Preachers”. Private jets, and multiple multi million dollar homes. I once heard Joel Olsteen preach, “Give and you shall receive. If you want to receive a little, give a little, if you want to receive a lot… give a lot.”
Ummm… no!
Maybe all those dollars came from other endeavors and investments… maybe…
How’s this apply to us all? “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
If one serves for the money, or the glory, one should find something else to do.
Love you all! Dig in!
Remember the Golden Calf? The Levites were originally chosen to lead Israel as priests after their willingness to assist in wiping out those who rebelled against God with their debauched Worship (Exodus 32).
God chose Aaron and His line to lead in Temple Worship. However, a further narrowing of the priestly line occurred at the time of David, when Zadok, the priest, successfully backed Solomon as David’s successor.
We see that here as well. Worship in the Millennial Kingdom Temple will continue, led by only priests from Zadok’s line. One might think that those chosen for a position like this would be showered with financial blessing from The Lord. However, also reiterated here are the “provision ordinances” for Priests which we first see in Deuteronomy 18:1-2. They will live off of sacrifices and have no land inheritance - their inheritance will be The Lord.
Priests / Shepherds were to care for the sheep and be cared for by Nation of Israel but not profit from their care (Ezekiel 34:1-10). This idea is reiterated in 1 Peter 5:1-3. Those who live by The Gospel are maintained by The Gospel but are not to exploit it! Serving should never be about the money lest the heart become divided or worse yet focused only on the money (Matthew 6:24).
At the extreme, are some of the nations foremost “Prosperity Gospel Preachers”. Private jets, and multiple multi million dollar homes. I once heard Joel Olsteen preach, “Give and you shall receive. If you want to receive a little, give a little, if you want to receive a lot… give a lot.”
Ummm… no!
Maybe all those dollars came from other endeavors and investments… maybe…
How’s this apply to us all? “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
If one serves for the money, or the glory, one should find something else to do.
Love you all! Dig in!
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