Moses addressed many topics as he prepared the people for the Promised Land and this verse could be easily overlooked since it's found in the midst of how to settle legal disputes:
"You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain" (Deuteronomy 25:4).
We would miss its intended impact and application if it wasn't for what Paul wrote centuries later:
For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? (1 Corinthians 9:9-11).
God wasn't really addressing care for oxen but rather the need for people who work in a certain "field" to be able to harvest from that field to meet their needs. This principle doesn't just apply to employers, it also applies to God Himself. If He assigns you a purpose and gives you creative gifts, then He must allow you to reap your support from those things—or supply your needs through some other means. It's only right and fair, and Jesus promised as much when He said,
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need" (Matthew 6:31-33).
God isn't offended when you bring your needs to Him and He doesn't mind when you remind Him of His promises. Do you see God as your ultimate employer, the one who is obligated to provide if He expects you to serve Him? Is it time that you and God had a heart-to-heart talk about your provision for your Kingdom work? Are you reminding God of this promise where your financial needs are concerned? You are more valuable to God than an ox, and you should expect a return for your Kingdom work if not from others, then directly from God Himself.
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