SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018.
FAITHFULNESS IN TITHING
TEXT: NUMBERS 18:20-32.
KEY VERSE:
"Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe" (Numbers 18:26).
From God’s instruction to Moses, the Levites were not to have any inheritance of their own among the children of Israel. The Lord was their portion and inheritance forever because of their office. Therefore, the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offered unto the Lord, were given to the Levites to inherit. It is noteworthy that God commanded them to give tithe out of the tithes which the other Israelites gave unto the Lord. No one was exempted from giving to God a portion of what was received from Him.
Tithe, as it is known, is one tenth of a person’s income. God expects believers, like the children of Israel, to supply the material needs of His house and of those who have devoted their lives to meeting the spiritual needs of His people. One of the ways to ensure this is through regular offering and tithes (Malachi 3:10). The Levites of today are not exempted from giving to God. Like the Levites of old, they are to give tithes of their God-given portions. Believers must attach importance to tithes because faithfulness in giving of tithes attracts blessings: "...prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing..." (Malachi 3:10).
Additionally, our giving to God in the New Testament must not be limited to a mere one-tenth of our incomes, neither must it rest on pecuniary matters alone. God gave His Best. Therefore, we must, in return, give our all: time, talents and treasure.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Withholding from God His due portion is limiting God’s goodness in one’s life.
BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: Daniel 4-6.
