Support the Levites

In Deuteronomy 12, Moses were giving instructions to the Israelites on how to conduct themselves upon entering the Promised Land. Among his many instructions, were:

"... remember to include the Levites who live in your towns, for they will receive no allotment of land among you." Numbers 12:12

"Eat them there with your children, your servants, and the Levites who live in your towns.... And be very careful never to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land." Numbers 12:18-19

The Levites were a special tribe, set apart by God to perform "sacred duties in and around the Tabernacle" (see Numbers 3:7). However, unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not given any land of their own, and therefore had no way of growing crops or raising animals to support themselves. Instead, God had alloted for the Levites portions from the people's offerings (see e.g. Leviticus 2:10).

In present day, there are no more Levites, but there are missionaries and pastors. Like the Levites of the past, these people are without their own "land", but instead rely on others for support. As per Moses' instructions above, we must not neglect those in full-time ministry. Supporting these people who serve God is NOT something that we do out of good-heartedness or generosity, but in fact, something that has been very specifically instructed in the Bible.