provision

And you may eat it in any place, you and your households, for it is your reward in return for your service in the tent of meeting.

Numbers 18:31

One of the main “sources of income” for the Levites as they served in the sacrificial system at the altar was found in the grain, wine, and sacrificial animals brought to the Lord in tithes from the Israelites. The Levites were commanded to take a portion of these food tithes for themselves, to feed and provide for their families. They were cared for by the very ministry that they performed.

God did not want the priests and Levites worried about their source of living. They were called to hard, daily, constant work in the worship of the Lord. They were given no inheritance of land or property, but were instead devoted to the work in God’s house. So their provision also came from that same work. God decreed a method for their needs to be met as they devotedly and sacrificially served Him.

And God did not leave His servants empty handed. The Levites would never go hungry as long as they served God. So it is as we minister the gospel and serve Jesus today, no matter what our work environment. He will provide in the service as we serve. We only need to trust, to be willing to make ministry a priority in whatever vocation God has given us, and then know God’s sweet and timely provision.