The ministry viewed in relation to hire.
The Jewish priests and prophets were the teachers of the people in matters of religion and morals. They exercised "the teaching faculty;" and this must form a prominent feature in those who devote themselves to the work of the ministry in every age (1 Timothy 3:2; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Corinthians 4:2). The power of the pulpit in these modern times depends very largely upon the maintenance of its teaching efficiency. The men the Church requires as its ministers are such as will come forth week by week not to utter a number of weary platitudes, but to enforce living truths, and to present these in forms fresh and new. Note
I. SUCH "LABOURERS" ARE "WORTHY OF THEIR HIRE." The support of the Jewish priesthood was arranged under the Law (Deuteronomy 18:2); the prophets also received temporal gifts in recognition of their services (1 Samuel 9:7, 1 Samuel 9:8). In the New Testament this principle of pecuniary acknowledgment being made for spiritual service is distinctly enunciated (Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9:7, 1 Corinthians 9:14).
II. TO RENDER THIS SERVICE FOR THE SAKE OF THE "HIRE" IS SELF-DEGRADING, AND IS AN OFFENCE TO GOD AND THE GOOD.
1. It leads to mere officialism.
2. It results in the perversion of truth, the character of the message being made to depend upon the nature of the bribe and the desire to gratify those who offer it.
3. It gives rise to sheer hypocrisy. "Yet will they" (i.e. hypocritically) "lean upon the Lord and say, Is not the Lord among us?" (Micah 3:11).
4. It awakens vain self-confidence. "None evil can come upon us" (Micah 3:11).
5. It incurs fearful responsibility. "The blood of souls" will be required of such. The ruin of Zion and Jerusalem was here fastened upon such, "Therefore shall Zion for your sake," etc. (Micah 3:12). How honourable is the work of the faithful minister of truth! How essential it is that they who engage in it should experience the Divine call, and should guard well their hearts so that they may be true to themselves and may render acceptable service to others! Whatever their "hire" here may be, how glorious is the reward awaiting all who are found true in this calling; for "when the chief Shepherd appears they shall receive the crown of life" (1 Peter 5:4).