INTRODUCTION
The apostolic model and ministry covenant of Jesus Christ for the New Testament Church refers to the principles and practices established by Jesus Christ and the apostles for the functioning and governance of the early Christian church as described in the New Testament.
According to the apostolic model, Jesus Christ is recognized as the ultimate authority and head of the church. His teachings, as recorded in the New Testament, serve as the foundation for the church's beliefs, practices, and mission.
Moses as a type of Jesus Christ the Chief Apostle and High Priest of the Church
Jesus is the ultimate Apostle and High Priest of the New Testament church, appointed by God the Father.
Hebrews 3:1-2 (JUB) says, "Therefore, brethren, saints, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to him that appointed him over all his house, as also Moses [was faithful]."
Jesus was so faithful to God the Father in His earthly ministry that He surpassed the honor and glory given to Moses.
Hebrews 3:3 (JUB) says, "For this [man] was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honour than the house."
Every ministry house in the church which is truly apostolic, is built by a human being commissioned into the apostolic ministry, but God is the real invisible Builder working through the apostle from behind the scenes.
Hebrews 3:4 (LITV) says, "For every house is built by someone; but He who built all things is God."
Paul used this same analogy to explain how he built his apostolic house as a wise master builder who layed the foundation upon which Apollos built, and yet it was God who made things happen through both of them.
1 Corinthians 3:5-10 (LITV) says, "What then is Paul? And what Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, and to each as the Lord gave? I planted, Apollos watered, but God made to grow. So as neither he planting is anything, nor he watering, but God making to grow. So he planting and he watering are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For of God we are fellow-workers, a field of God, and you are a building of God. According to God's grace given to me, as a wise master builder, I laid a foundation, but another builds on it. But let each one be careful how he builds."
Just as Moses was faithful over old Israel, Jesus faithfully built and furnished God's house, the entire New Testament church. Moses faithfully served as a ministering servant in God's house.
He testified to the future revelations to be given in Christ. Moses' role in the Old Testament church foreshadowed the ministry of Jesus as an Apostle and High Priest of the New Testament church.
Hebrews 3:5-6 (JUB) says, "And Moses verily [was] faithful over all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after, but Christ as [a] son over his own house, which house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the glorious hope firmly until the end."
Moses as an apostolic leader of his household (Old Testament church) of Israel was not supposed to let down his hands or leave his post up the mountain if Joshua and the army of Israel were to overcome the Amelikites.
Exodus 17:8-13 (JUB) says, "Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; but when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. And Moses' hands [were] heavy, so they took a stone and put [it] under him, and he sat upon it; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side; thus his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua disabled Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."
This illustrates the importance of cooperation and support in the ministry covenant to achieve victory. Likewise Jesus' instructed His apostles (Simon Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen) to leave their income-generating businesses and follow Him.
Matthew 4:18-22 says, "Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him. Similarly, James and John, also fishermen, left their boat and their father to follow Jesus."
These disciples responded to Jesus' call to become His followers and to join Him in His ministry. Their leaving their occupations was a demonstration of their wholehearted commitment to Jesus and the mission He entrusted to them.
When we see a true apostle of Jesus Christ leaving career opportunities in the world to serve the Lord in ministry, it should be interpreted as a great sacrifice of obedience and such an apostle should be treated with honor, and not be despised.
In their official commission Jesus sent out the twelve apostles instructing them not to carry any financial supplies or material provisions on their apostolic mission.
Matthew 10:9-10 says, "Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food."
Jesus also sent out seventy-two disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God, instructing them not to take any money or provisions with them but to rely on the hospitality and support of those they encountered.
Luke 10:1-12 (NET) says, "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him two by two into every town and place where he himself was about to go. He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. Go! I am sending you out like lambs surrounded by wolves. Do not carry a money bag, a traveler’s bag, or sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘May peace be on this house!’ And if a peace-loving person is there, your peace will remain on him, but if not, it will return to you. Stay in that same house, eating and drinking what they give you, for the worker deserves his pay. Do not move around from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and the people welcome you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in that town and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come upon you!’ But whenever you enter a town and the people do not welcome you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this: The kingdom of God has come.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town!"
If Moses had left his post to join Joshua and the army of Israel in the battle against Amalekites the battle would have been lost, and if the apostles of Jesus Christ leave spiritual ministry to do their own businesses, the church will close and lose the battle for souls.
Churches with bi-vocational pastors will never reach their full potential, and their congregations will not enjoy the full blessing of God through their pastors as they are often too busy and tired to minister to others after taking care of their own businesses. I say this with utmost respect for bivocational pastors, and against my own desires in obedience to God's Word.
If Moses had left his post upon the mountain of the ministry of prayer and of the Word to join Joshua in the marketplace, Israel would lose the battle as there would have been no one to provide spiritual covering! This is why the apostles should not even be involved with the basic administrative work of the church (ministry of helps/tables), but delegate it to the deacons so that they may focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word.
The ministry of prayer is what Moses foreshadowed by lifting up his hands, and the ministry of the Word is what he foreshadowed by lifting up the rod, for it is through apostolic teaching that the rod of God's authority given to the apostle is lifted up against any spiritual opposition.
If Moses had left his post upon the mountain of the ministry of prayer and of the Word to join Joshua in the marketplace, Israel would lose the battle as there would have been no one to provide spiritual covering! This is what the twelve apostles concluded in the early church as they followed the instructions of Jesus Christ.
Acts 6:2-4 (JUB) says, "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them] and said, It is not right that we should leave the word of God and serve tables; therefore, brethren, seek out among you seven men of whom you bear witness, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. And we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Doing ministry without a financial backup signifies the dependence of the apostles on God's provision and their focus on the urgency of their mission.
Jesus wants His apostles to rely on the hospitality and support of those they minister to, trusting that God will provide for their needs through the generosity of others.
This reliance on the support of others by the apostles demonstrates the partnership of the apostolic ministry with the generosity of the people in the ministry covenant of the New Testament apostolic model.
It gives glory to God the Sender, and humbles the sent apostles.
Joshua and the Army of Israel as a type of Marketplace Warriors and Financial Partners
Joshua, under Moses' leadership, led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-9). The Israelites, including the army of Israel, participated in the conquest of the land (Joshua 6-12).
Exodus 17:8-13 (JUB) says, "Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek; tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; but when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. And Moses' hands [were] heavy, so they took a stone and put [it] under him, and he sat upon it; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side; thus his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua disabled Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."
In the Old Testament, when the Israelite army defeated their enemies, they often collected spoils of war, including wealth and possessions. In the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6), the Israelites, led by Joshua, encircled the city of Jericho for seven days.
On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times, and when they blew their trumpets, the walls of Jericho collapsed. The Israelites then entered the city, destroyed it, and took the spoils as instructed by God.
But, they were commanded not to take any of the spoils for themselves, except for the precious metals, which were to be dedicated to the treasury of the Lord.
This teaches us that financial warriors and partners should go into the marketplace by the apostolic mandate for the benefit of the church, not just for personal profit. If you are seeking personal profit, your vision is too small for God to be involved.
When God launched Gideon to battle against the Medianites. He was told to leave all self focused soldiers who drank water with all eyes in the river. In fact, it's not a vision if it starts and ends with you, for no one can see themselves. It's an ambition.
Vision starts with seeing the needs of others. When God launched Gideon to battle against the Medianites. He was told to leave all self focused soldiers who drank water with all eyes in the river. Out 22000 potential soldiers, Gideon selected only 300 men who were lapping water with one hand while checking on their colleagues.
Judges 7:1-7 says, "Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. The LORD said to Gideon, 'The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, "My own hand has saved me." Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, "Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead."' Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. And the LORD said to Gideon, 'The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, "This one shall go with you," shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, "This one shall not go with you," shall not go.' So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, 'Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.' And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. And the LORD said to Gideon, 'With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.'"
It's better to run an apostolic ministry with 300 selfless visionaries than to have a church of 22000 "penterascals" full of selfish ambitions. In the battle of Ai (Joshua 8) after a failed attempt to conquer the city of Ai, the Israelites regrouped and devised a strategy to capture it. They set up an ambush and lured the men of Ai out of their city.
Meanwhile, another group of Israelite soldiers entered the city and set it on fire. The spoils of the city, including its livestock and wealth, were then taken by the Israelites as their plunder, as commanded by God through Joshua.
It's important to note that in these biblical accounts, the collection of wealth and spoils was according to specific instructions from God to the leaders of the Israelites commanding them to use them mainly for temple use.
A Christian owned business whose vision statement has nothing to do with the apostolic mission of the church is purposeless. Marketplace warriors in the church understand that God's money is primarily for God's mission.
Business without purpose is just busyness. It's better to be poor and not have money than to have money without purpose. When purpose is not applied for business, money is misused and abused.
Misuse is the application of profit mainly for personal consumption - overspending. Abuse is application of profit for wrong use such as buying drugs or paying for the services of a prostitute.
The proper use of money is primarily for God's business in the church without neglecting your family and yourself. What are you doing with your money?
In the New Testament church, marketplace warriors and financial partners play a vital role in supporting the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ. Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, we see examples of individuals who supported Him financially and materially.
There were women who followed Jesus and the disciples, providing for them out of their resources. These women, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and Susanna, were financial partners who contributed to the ministry needs of Jesus.
Mark 15:40-41 (NET) says, "There were also women, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they had followed him and given him support. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were there too."
Luke 8:1-3 (LITV) says, "And it happened afterwards, even He traveled in every city and village, preaching and announcing the gospel of the kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with Him; also certain women who were healed from evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, having been called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who were ministering to Him of their possessions."
Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor supported the ministry of Jesus Christ financially even after His death to give Him a proper burial.
Mark 15:42-46 (LITV) says, "And it becoming evening already, since it was the preparation, that is, the day before sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea came, an honorable councillor, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. And taking courage, he went in to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. And Pilate marveled if He had already died. And calling the centurion near, he asked him if He died already. And knowing from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. And having bought a linen cloth, and having taken Him down, he wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in a tomb which was cut out of rock. And he rolled a stone against the mouth of the tomb."
In the early church, we see a similar pattern. As the church advanced and the gospel spread, believers who had resources contributed to the needs of the spiritual community.
Acts 2:44-45 says, "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."
When you love God, you will give towards God's business. But if you love money you can not give truly towards the mission of the church.
Matthew 6:24 (NET) says, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
If your primary purpose of giving is receiving, then you are not giving. You are BAITING God. If your giving is motivated by the popularity and fame, you will get in the eyes of your pastor and the church, you are not giving. You are ADVERTISING yourself.
If you give to get a high position and status in church, you are not giving. You are BRIBING the church leadership. True giving is motivated by the love of God. Not by what you can get from God or people after giving. Love is not selfish!
1 John 3:16 (NET) says, "We have come to know love by this: that Jesus laid down his life for us; thus we ought to lay down our lives for our fellow Christians."
I have seen people giving too much to their pastor while ignoring their struggling parents and the poor in the church. It's a symptom of fake giving driven by selfish motives. Besides you, who is your business and money helping?
The practice of selling possessions and distributing the proceeds in the early church was a way for those with means to support those in need and further the work of the church. True worship in the apostolic ministry supports the needy in the church.
James 1:27 (PESH) says, "For the service which is pure and true before Aloha the Father, is this, to visit the orphans and widows in their afflictions, and that a man keep himself from the world without blemish."
The New Testament also provides insights into individuals who supported the ministry of the Apostle Paul financially. Phoebe, a sister in the faith and a servant of the church in Cenchreae, provided financial assistance to Paul's ministry.
Romans 16:1-2 (LITV) says, "But I commend our sister Phoebe to you, being a servant of the assembly in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord, as is worthy of the saints, and may assist her in whatever thing she may need of you. For she also became a helper of many, and of myself."
Priscilla and Aquila, a couple, played a key role in supporting Paul's ministry financially. They were tentmakers by trade, and Paul joined them in their occupation during his stay in Corinth.
Acts 18:2-3 (LITV) says, "And finding a certain Jew by name Aquila, of Pontus by race, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome, he came to them. And because he was of the same trade, he lived and worked with them; for they were tentmakers by trade."
They not only provided Paul with a place to stay but also worked alongside him to support the church which gathered in their house and contribute to the needs of the ministry.
1 Corinthians 16:19 (LITV) says, "The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, with the assembly in their house."
Lydia, a seller of purple goods from Thyatira. After hearing Paul's message, she and her household were baptized. Lydia then invited Paul and his companions to stay at her house, and supported his ministry financially.
Acts 16:14-15 (LITV) says, "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, one reverencing God, listened, whose heart the Lord opened thoroughly to pay attention to the things being spoken by Paul. And as she and her household were baptized, she entreated Paul, saying, If you have judged me to be believing in the Lord, entering into my house, remain. And she strongly urged us."
Your financial support to the ministry of the servants of God is the demonstration of your love for Jesus. The church in Philippi consistently supported Paul's ministry.
In Philippians 4:15-16, Paul acknowledges their financial partnership, saying, "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need." The Philippians' financial support was both generous and consistent.
These are just a few examples of individuals and churches mentioned in the New Testament who supported the ministry of the Apostle Paul financially.
So, just as the victorious Israelite army collected the spoils of war from their defeated enemies, the New Testament Church saw believers partnering with the apostles, sharing their resources, and contributing to the growth and sustenance of the church.
The story of Joshua and the Army of Israel, along with the examples of financial partners and supporters in the ministry of Jesus, provide a framework for understanding the role of marketplace warriors and financial partners in the New Testament Church.
It emphasizes the importance of cooperation, support, and the sharing of resources to advance the mission and meet the needs of the community, mirroring the practices of the Israelites in collecting spoils of war and the generosity of early believers in the New Testament Church.
In the New Testament church, marketplace warriors and financial partners play a vital role in advancing God's kingdom.
God is calling someone reading this article to join the Joshua-kind of marketplace warriors and financial partners in the business battleground against the Amalekites of poverty, so that the kingdom agenda may be properly supported in these last days.
Aaron and Hur as Associate Pastors and Prayer Partners
This message is for everyone who is part of the church of Jesus Christ, from pastors to church members. Everyone is important and has a role to play in the house of God.
Exodus 17:10-13 (LITV) says, "And Joshua did as Moses had said to him, to fight against Amalek. And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was that when Moses lifted his hand, Israel prevailed. And when he rested his hand, Amalek conquered. And the hands of Moses became heavy. And they took a stone and put it under him. And he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one from this and one from that side. And his hands were steady until the going of the sun. And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people by the mouth of the sword."
Associate pastors in the New Testament church are typically individuals who work alongside and support the lead pastor and apostolic leader of a church. Similarly, Aaron and Hur stood beside Moses, reinforcing his role as the leader of the Israelites.
Prayer partners are individuals who come alongside a leader, establishing his leadership role and offering support through prayer. Prayer partners will often receive prophetic insights into the struggles of their leader and the leadership of the church so that they can pray to solve them.
The purpose of prophetic intercession is to pray and not to gossip. When you talk to God about it it's prayer, but the moment you go to people with it it's gossip. The first duty of an associate pastor and an intercessor is to establish the office of the leader, and is not to take away the stone on which he sits.
Aaron and Hur's act of setting a stone for Moses to sit symbolizes helping to establish his apostolic office in the church through their loyal submission to his leadership. The first duty of an associate pastor and an intercessor is to establish the office of the leader, and is not to take away the stone on which he sits.
The gift of prophecy is NOT a sign of higher spiritual rank or greater maturity. It's just a gift, and without love, it is useless.
1 Corinthians 13:2 (JUB) says, "And though I have [the gift of] prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
So the next time you pray for your leader and God shows you something, calm down! Remember, the church at Corinth was the most gifted in prophecy amongst Paul's assemblies, and yet they were also the most immature.
Aaron and Hur's act of holding up Moses' arms is a symbol of intercessory prayer, providing spiritual support during critical times of spiritual warfare in ministry. Your leader needs your intercessory support more when he is in trouble than when everything is fine.
Sadly, many believers only want to pray for their leaders when things are going well - fake prayer partners. Don't wait for a crisis to get to your leader for you to wake up from your sleep and pray. In the book of Acts, we read the story of the early Christian church and the persecution they faced.
King Herod Agrippa I, who ruled over Judea, wanted to please the Jewish leaders, so he arrested some Christians and had James, the brother of John, put to death by the sword. This execution was a means of suppressing the growing influence of the Christian movement.
Upon seeing that this pleased the Jewish leaders, Herod proceeded to arrest Peter as well, intending to execute him after the Jewish festival of Passover. Then, the church woke up and responded by fervently praying for Peter's deliverance.
Acts 12:5 says, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."
The believers were interceding on Peter's behalf, seeking God's intervention and protection for him. The story continues to describe how an angel of the Lord miraculously rescued Peter from prison the night before his planned execution.
Peter then went to the house where the believers were gathered together in prayer, and they were amazed and filled with joy to see him alive and free. But the church prayed for Peter's safety and deliverance after James had already been killed by Herod. If they had prayed earlier, they would not have lost their leader!
When you hear about a minister who has fallen from grace, do you pray for him or you join in with his critics?
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the devil's job is to accuse the brethren, and he is doing it so well that he doesn't need our assistance. It's our leaders who need our support.
Aaron and Hur are to Moses what the twelve disciples were to Jesus Christ in their roles and duties. The twelve disciples were chosen by Jesus to be His apostles, junior pastors, and prayer partners, and were given authority to minister in His name.
Matthew 10:1-4 (LITV) says, "And having called His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, so as to cast out, and to heal every disease and every weakness of body. And the names of the twelve apostles are these: First, Simon who is called Peter and his brother Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, Philip, and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the tax-collector, James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbaeus, whose last name was Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him."
Jesus sent them out to preach, heal, and cast out demons.
Matthew 10:5-8 (LITV) says, "Jesus sent these twelve out, charging them, saying: Do not go into the way of the nations, and do not go into a Samaritan city. But rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And going on, proclaim, saying, The kingdom of Heaven has drawn near. Heal sick ones, cleanse lepers, raise dead ones, cast out demons. You freely received, freely give."
After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned Peter to feed His lambs and to tend His sheep, indicating his leadership role.
John 21:15-17 (LITV) says, "Then when they broke fast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs! Again He says to him, secondly, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He says to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Shepherd My sheep! Thirdly, He said to him, Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved that He said to him a third time, Do you love Me? And he said to him, Lord, You perceive all things, You know that I love You! Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep!"
There are people who are resisting the call to ministry as associate pastors because they want the assurance of income from their secular jobs. Imagine what would have happened if Jesus was alone in ministry?
If Aaron and Hur had left their place to join Joshua with the army of Israel, Moses would have no one to support his tiring hands and Israel would be defeated. This is the same fate that befalls the church community when associate pastors are not supported financially and are expected to do other jobs to sustain themselves.
Case Study: The Error of Eliashib the Priest
To illustrate this let us consider the story of Nehemiah, a Jewish leader who was involved in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem with the permission of the Persian king to restore the city and its spiritual practices. In Nehemiah 10, the people of Israel made a covenant to follow the Law of Moses and provide for the needs of the temple and its servants, including the Levites.
They agreed to bring the tithes and offerings required by the Law to support the Levites and their work in the temple. But, in Nehemiah 13, after Nehemiah had returned to Persia for a time, he discovered that the people had neglected their duties of supporting the priests, and the Levites were not receiving the portions due to them.
As a result, the Levites and the singers who were responsible for the service in the temple had left their positions and returned to their fields to support themselves. When Nehemiah learned of this situation, he confronted the rulers and rebuked them for allowing the house of God to be forsaken.
He gathered the Levites and singers back together and reinstated them in their proper roles within the temple service. In Nehemiah 13:4-5, it is stated that Eliashib the priest, who was in charge of the rooms of the house of God, was related to Tobiah.
Eliashib had prepared a large room in the courts of the house of God for Tobiah. This room was meant to store the food offerings, frankincense, vessels, tithes of grain, new wine, and oil that were commanded to be given to the Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and priests.
When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and learned about this situation, he was grieved and took action. In verse 8, it is mentioned that Nehemiah threw out all the household belongings of Tobiah from the room. This action indicates Nehemiah's disapproval of Eliashib's actions and his commitment to restoring the proper use of the room for its intended purpose.
Eliashib the priest was the culprit responsible for allowing Tobiah, who was not part of the priestly or Levitical order, to occupy a room in the house of God that was meant for the storage of offerings and tithes for the Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and priests.
Nehemiah took corrective action by removing Tobiah's belongings from the room. The case study of Eliashib and his error in Nehemiah can serve as a lesson and provide insights into potential issues that can arise in modern-day situations within the New Testament church.
Eliashib misused a room in the house of God that was designated for storing offerings and tithes. In the New Testament church, the issue of misusing resources can manifest in mishandling financial resources, misappropriation of donations, or using church property for personal gain.
The case of Eliashib reminds us of the importance of stewardship and using church resources for their intended purposes. Eliashib's relationship with Tobiah led to him allocating a room in the house of God for Tobiah's use. This is an example of nepotism or favoritism, where personal relationships or connections influence decision-making within the church.
In the modern-day church, it is important to guard against such biases and ensure that decisions are made based on merit, integrity, and the best interests of the church community. Eliashib included someone who was not part of the priesthood in the priesthood and it displaced the real priests.
Similarly when the church adopts secular church leadership structures and models based on educational skills and expertise at the expense of biblical qualities for leadership, it replaces the true ministers called to the work with spiritually incompetent professionals.
There is a rising sentiment propelled by false prophets and apostles, that pastors should look for jobs to sustain themselves as if the pastoral ministry in itself is not a job. This directly violates the scriptures which say that pastors should be paid double the wages of other church workers!
1 Corinthians 9:9-14 (LITV) says, "For it has been written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain." Is it that it matters to God as to oxen? Or does He say it altogether because of us? It is written because of us, so that the one plowing ought to plow in hope, and the one threshing in hope to partake of hope. If we have sowed spiritual things to you, is it a great thing if we shall reap of your fleshly things? If others have a share of the authority over you, should not rather we? But we did not use this authority, but we endured all things, so that we might not give a hindrance to the gospel of Christ."
1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NET) says, "Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker deserves his pay.” Do you not know that those laboring about the holy things of the temple eat? Those attending on the altar partake with the altar. So also the Lord ordained those proclaiming the gospel to live from the gospel."
Nehemiah, upon discovering the error, took immediate action to correct the situation. This highlights the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions within the church.
In the New Testament church, establishing structures of accountability, such as leadership oversight, financial transparency, and ethical guidelines, helps ensure that errors and missteps are addressed promptly and appropriately.
Nehemiah's response of throwing out Tobiah's belongings from the room demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the sanctity and purity of the house of God and should be emulated. In the New Testament church, it is crucial to uphold biblical principles, moral integrity, and a pursuit of holiness.
This includes addressing any compromises or unholy practices that may infiltrate the church.
Back to the Teaching...
Jesus sought the company of His disciples during prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as He was faced with the task of the cross.
Matthew 26:36-46 (LITV) says, "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane. And He said to the disciples, Sit here, until going away, I shall pray there. And taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grieve and to be deeply troubled. Then He said to them, My soul is deeply grieved, even unto death. Stay here and watch with Me. And going forward a little, He fell on His face, praying, and saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will. And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And He said to Peter, So! Were you not able to watch one hour with Me? Watch and pray, that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is eager, but the flesh is weak. Again, going away a second time, He prayed, saying, My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to pass away except I drink it, let Your will be done. And coming, He again found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, going away again, He prayed a third time, saying the same word. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, Sleep on, and rest for what time remains. Behold, the hour draws near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go. Behold, the one betraying Me draws near."
If Jesus needed the support of His associates in prayer, how about your leader? Jesus took Peter, James, and John, His brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8 & Luke 9:28-36). According to the Gospel accounts, as they reached the mountaintop, Jesus underwent a remarkable transformation.
Matthew 17:2 says, "And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light."
When you support your leader closely in prayer, you will participate in his glorious encounters. I can testify that some of my intercessors have seen my angel even more than I have. During this event, Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Jesus (Matthew 17:3, Mark 9:4 and Luke 9:30).
In response to the vision, Peter suggested building three shelters or tabernacles, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Matthew 17:4, Mark 9:5, and Luke 9:33).
A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him" (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7 and Luke 9:35).
The level of your intercession for your leader determines the level of your encounters in the ministry. The 120 disciples were present in the upper room, praying together before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 1:13-14 (LITV) says, "And when they went in, they went up to the upper room where they were waiting: both Peter and James, and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the brother of James. These all were continuing steadfastly in prayer and in supplication with one mind, with the women, and with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."
Acts 2:1 (LITV) says, "And in the fulfilling of the day of Pentecost, they were all with one mind in the same place."
These examples demonstrate the involvement of the disciples as both junior pastors and prayer partners to Jesus Christ. You can not partake of the ministry covenant you do not participate in. Just being in church is not enough. A bicycle does not become a car by being parked in the garage. In the New Testament church, associate pastors and prayer partners provide support and intercession in ministry.
CONCLUSION
The apostolic model and ministry covenant of Jesus Christ for the New Testament church involves recognizing Jesus as the ultimate Apostle and High Priest, understanding the roles of various individuals within the church, engaging marketplace warriors and financial partners who honor God with their resources, and embracing associate pastors and prayer partners who provide support and intercession. Some believers have a dual calling to support their leaders both in prayer and with finances like Cornelius, who gave alms and prayed. Yet there is no one without a responsibility. May God open your eyes of understanding to see your purpose in the church!
