Scripture:
Deuteronomy 26:1 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you as a special possession and you have conquered it and settled there,2 put some of the first produce from each crop you harvest into a basket and bring it to the designated place of worship—the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored.3 Go to the priest in charge at that time and say to him, `With this gift I acknowledge to the Lord your God that I have entered the land he swore to our ancestors he would give us.’4 The priest will then take the basket from your hand and set it before the altar of the Lord your God.
5 “You must then say in the presence of the Lord your God, `My ancestor Jacob was a wandering Aramean who went to live as a foreigner in Egypt. His family arrived few in number, but in Egypt they became a large and mighty nation.6 When the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves,7 we cried out to the Lord , the God of our ancestors. He heard our cries and saw our hardship, toil, and oppression.8 So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm, with overwhelming terror, and with miraculous signs and wonders.9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey!10 And now, O Lord , I have brought you the first portion of the harvest you have given me from the ground.’ Then place the produce before the Lord your God, and bow to the ground in worship before him.11 Afterward you may go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration.
Galatians 5:5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us.6 For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.
13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Observations:
Tithe, offerings, and “First-fruits” are something that are not particularly common in today’s culture. We often think that we acquired our wealth and privilege through our own hard work. Even among Christians, few return a tithe, or truly honor God for the blessings He has bestowed. Why is that?
And why, when some churches practice the “Old Testament” practice of tithing, do they not teach people to follow the above ritual? So very interesting. This seems to be just one more ritual that may have lost it’s popular meaning, cultural significance, and relevancy. Too bad really.
Applications:
When our income stream came to a close several months ago, we virtually quit spending. Although we have shared some offerings, our tithe stream has stopped. There are several reasons for this. First, disillusionment with our chosen denomination; Second, a confusion as to what is meant by “the house of worship (see above);” Fear – yes, I admit it. Which is really just a lack of faith; Also, rationalization. The “doctrine” actually says: “10% of one’s increase,” but currently, we are not increasing. Our net worth is decreasing. Our balance statement is in the negative, by several thousand dollars – and if we lose our house, it will result in a net loss greater than any income we’ve brought in for months.
So, what to do?
Prayer:
Father God, today, I am convicted to trust you. Guide as as we should today. Let me know how you would like us to honor you? Give us wisdom, obedience, and grace.
Thank you – I love you too!
