SCRIBES IN BIBLICAL ANTIQUITY
The Scribal Ministry Burden
STOCK IMAGE. PERMISSION TO USE.
CALLED TO HELP
We are going to take a quick look back at what you have learned so far about "scribes of old" and "present-day scribes."
Remember, our first introduction to the Biblical scribe in this course was through the establishment of the Sanhedrin or the Great Council in Numbers 11 under the leadership of Moses, the high priest. We covered this in-detail. You already know that of the seventy men chosen by Moses to serve on the council, skilled scribes made up one-third of that population. Their role, according to v. 16 was to help Moses “carry the burden" of the people so that he would not have to bear it alone.”
FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLE: In the Kingdom, it is important to note that scribes were burden bearers, ministers of helps. (1 Cor. 12:28)
Whatever revelation people may have concerning scribal ministry, they cannot escape this foundational truth: SCRIBAL MINISTRY IS ROOTED IN THE MINISTRY OF HELPS. To help literally means to "relieve" or "lift the burden off" of someone. It is the willingness to be a solution to any problem faced using one's skills and talents, especially as it relates to the building of local communities. The Sanhedrin is a great example of this.
In addition, the apostles entered into a great discussion and ultimately decision about this area as well in Acts 6:1-4 AMP: "So the [a]Twelve called the disciples together and said, “Now about this time, when the number of disciples was increasing, a complaint was made by the [a]Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the [[b]native] Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. It is not appropriate for us to neglect [teaching] the word of God in order to serve tables and manage the distribution of food. 3 Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
As a rising teacher, this aspect of the calling must be taught within the course -- otherwise students will begin focusing ONLY ON THEIR GIFTING and what they see as rewards, especially in light of the Babylonian system. We live by the principles of 1 Corin 12 in the Kingdom in which every join supplies for the sake of the whole body - not just individual desires.
From this point forward, I want to encourage you to consider scribal ministry from a BURDEN LIFTING, SERVANTHOOD perspective FIRST. It should be seen as an over-arching, over-reaching release stretched across all things scribal regardless of calling. In the merchandising, self-centered society that stands like a drape over the world we live in, this is a CRITICAL POINT that you as a teacher should emphasize in your teachings.
Righteous scribes were selfless servants of God and people -- often faceless, nameless... yet necessary, needed and sought after. Many of them never received any earthly reward or recognition for their contributions to our faith. YET, we receive from their legacy every single time we speak, read or share the written Word.
They walked in a level of sonship and servanthood that was as strict as that of the priesthood in the time of Moses. We are comfortable with the term burden bearers. The truth is, scribes were BURDEN LIFTERS. I think phrase provides a better understanding of what this discussion scripture presents. It simply means that scribes they came along side those leaders, brothers and sisters in Christ; and shared the responsibility so that it wasn't singularly on one person or a few individuals.
With this brief intro to this topic, we are going to move forward in some unique assignments associated with this section. In responding, consider the level of dedication, commitment and loyalty the scribes of old held for the Lord and Moses. You will be challenged to compare that with what you OBSERVE concerning those who believe they are scribes today.
Luke 16:10-12 AMP, "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of earthly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? And if you have not been faithful in the use of that [earthly wealth] which belongs to another [whether God or man, and of which you are a trustee], who will give you that which is your own?" (The principle in this passage is tremendous.)
Also note that there are three sides to burden lifting:
First, we are faithful in upholding the vision of other leaders faithfully. Luke 16:12 provides an important principle for spiritual advancement, maturity and personal success. It states, "And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?" We must ask ourselves this question: Have we served another man's vision in a direct and dedicated capacity the way we serve our own vision? Do we have the heart of a servant in this capacity? Reflect over your life and earnestly answer this question. Think of how the seventy served Moses in skill, loyalty and time. Share your longevity in a serving others.
Secondly, we serve the people of God selflessly. Every minister and ministry CALLED BY GOD serves people without expectation of compensation or return. Ministry is a calling to people where we selflessly meet their needs consistently - whether as a part of a community or as leaders over a specific people. We must ask ourselves this question: Have we served others consistently and selflessly? Look at how the 70 met the people assigned to them selflessly. Consider how they walked out their ministry in service, not expecting anything in return. 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Third, we serve within our own calling. Many of us have been set apart to lead a work among people. As a result, how is the service we provide bringing solutions to people? Every believer who has been called into ministry in some form should be able to answer this question when mature.
In addition, we are trained in the Spirit to serve according to this pattern as well. We serve the leaders in our lives first, then we learn to serve the people of God... and then the Lord launches those who are called to their own ministries out as well. Below, you will be given the opportunity to answer the questions presented.
ADDITIONAL TEACHING:
Article, The Ministry of Helps
Video, "Top Three Hindrances to Scribal Growth & Development," inside the Scribal Prophets Facebook group. You will need to be a member of the group to listen.