Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. —1 Samuel 25:41b
Abigail’s above response to David’s marriage proposal demonstrated a willingness to serve in humble places, even in washing the feet of the servants. There are many ministers’ wives who are daily living out Abigail’s expression. They quietly work without pay or recognition while serving the people around them. The life of a minister’s wife has a unique set of challenges and she should be honored and respected for her life of sacrificial service. Minister’s wives fill a unique role in the body of Christ and are to be valued.
What shall we eat? …. or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? …. Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God….
—Matthew 6:31-33
Dedicated, full-time gospel workers will often experience financial hardship and even poverty as they labor to promote the richer treasures of Christ rather than the mammon of this life. While time and talents should be fully invested for the furtherance of the kingdom of God, money is necessary to live in this world. God is well aware of this reality and will not forget His servants in their time of need. Ministers of the gospel must be willing to suffer while maintaining a steadfast faith that God has promised to provide those necessary things. In times of difficulty, our trust must rise beyond the present need in acknowledging that God has a higher purpose and plan.Read more
God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake…. —1 Corinthians 4:9-13
The apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of the trials and suffering of the apostles in 1 Corinthians 4:9-13. It is an encouragement and challenge to devoted ministers of the gospel.
Paul alludes to the Roman practice of bringing gladiators, armed with weapons, into the amphitheaters to fight wild beasts. If the gladiators survived, they were later disarmed and left defenseless before beast and man to be killed. If they escaped, they were eventually forced to contend with another assailant that would bring certain death. Ministers of the gospel may as Paul suffer many trials, persecutions, false accusations, poverty, and sufferings in this life; but it is an honor to be counted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ.Read more
And Moses besought the LORD his God…. —Exodus 32:11
When Moses obtained the law from God on Mount Sinai and descended the mountain, he discovered that the people had turned away from God and were worshipping a golden calf. God’s anger was stirred, and He told Moses He was going to destroy the people. Moses besought the Lord and entreated Him to have mercy and turn away from His wrath.Read more
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. —Acts 3:6
When the lame man at the gate of the temple looked to Peter and John expecting to receive alms, they lifted him up in the name of Jesus, and the man was divinely healed. The people marveled and Peter informed them that it was not their own power or holiness which made the man to walk. “Faith in his name hath made this man strong.” Healing came through faith in the name of Jesus.Read more