Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 1 Corinthians 9.13

It is instructive to consider the origins of some of the institutions we take for granted in our society. For example, where did the idea of public schools originate? Or the “free market”, the US system of law and courts, or the independent press?

We may be surprised sometimes to discover the provenance of such institutions, particularly as these may have borne on – or been borne on by – the Christian worldview.

What about the office of pastor of a local church? Is this a role that has come into being over time merely out of necessity or convenience? Or does it have some more authoritative standing? And, if so, what are some of the implications of that?

The Apostle Paul reminded the believers in Corinth of something they all knew and took for granted: God had ordained the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron to serve Him in a mediatorial office in the nation of Israel. Not just anyone could become a priest or a Levite; these offices were ordained by God and delimited by Him as to their qualifications and functions.

God, in other words, created the office of pastor in ancient Israel. The priests and Levites served as teachers, worship leaders, counselors, and physicians of the soul for God’s people. They led the people in worship, both weekly and during special festive gatherings. They oversaw the instruction of God’s people in the laws and traditions established by Him. And, given that the people did not have a heart for God (Deut. 5.29), it was inevitable that the system of sacrifices and offerings, which God established as a means of maintaining a right relationship with Him, would get a good workout; thus, the people would require skilled and faithful individuals to lead them in daily spiritual renewal.

Because God had established the priesthood, the people of Israel kept this office functioning throughout the period of the Old Testament. The priests were not always as faithful as God would have liked, but the importance of the office was so widely understood and accepted that, even when priests were corrupt, the people continued to submit to them for their spiritual needs. And, as the priests went spiritually, so, it very often was the case, did the nation as a whole.

T. M. Moore

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