9月15日靈修禱文|DEVOTION

September 15th, 2020

For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."

1 Timothy 5:18

You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.

Deut. 25:4

no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

Matthew 10:10

Thought

The scripture, through Paul, Moses and Christ, clearly teaches that the Christian workers deserve their financial supports. But they are not to demand remuneration from those they serve, but to trust the Great Shepherd to supply all their needs so that they lack nothing. I met a pastor who was complaining to me that his church was extremely critical of him and also very stingy, saying that he deserved better. Unfortunately, he was not very generous with his thanksgiving, praise and encouragements towards his congregation. I also know a missionary family sent to minister to the Tibetans. There are 5 million Tibetans in China with only 1000 Christians. After the home church stopped their financial support complaining that the work had very little results, God raised up another missional church which stepped in and is now providing all their spiritual, emotional and financial needs. It is a great encouragement that while the home church thinks that they are not being fruitful, God declares that they deserve their wages.

Prayer

Prayer Dear Jesus, during this covid-19 period, I hear that many of Your faithful servants are suffering from lack of spiritual, emotional and material supports. I also hear that many self-supporting pastors are out of work and thus have nothing to eat. Thank you, Jesus that according to Your truth, You will abundantly provide every need of every faithful hard-working minister and the family during this world crisis. In Your blessed name, Amen.

Rev. James Chuang

因為經上說：牛在場上踹穀的時候，不可籠住他的嘴；又說：工人得工價是應當的。

提摩太前書 5:18

牛在場上踹穀的時候，不可籠住他的嘴。

申命記 25:4

行路不要帶口袋；不要帶兩件褂子，也不要帶鞋和柺杖。因為工人得飲食是應當的。

馬太福音 10:10

思想

透過經文中的保羅，摩西和基督清楚地表明，基督的僕人是應該得到他們的經濟支持。不過他們不是要從他們服務的人那裡要求報酬，而是要相信那大牧羊人會滿足他們的所有需求，使他們一無所缺。我遇過一位牧師，他向我抱怨他的教會對他極度批評，而且非常吝嗇，說他應值得更好。不幸的是，他對教徒的感恩，讚美和鼓勵並不慷慨。我也認識一個傳教士家庭被派去為西藏人服務。中國有500萬藏人，但只有1000名基督徒。在母會因抱怨這項工作收效甚微而停止財政支持後，上帝興起了另一個宣教教會介入了，並現在正滿足他們在靈命上，情感上和經濟上的所有需求。令人鼓舞的是，當母會認為他們沒有成就時，上帝宣稱他們應值得他們的報酬。