Today’s Reading: Leviticus 27
Key Verse: Leviticus 27:30
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.
What about the tithe? God owns everything, therefore it is only reasonable that we pay rent, board and room, etc. We need to recognize that 10% of our gross income, whether in cattle, produce, or money belongs to Him. In fact, if we don’t pay this sliding scale, depending on our gain, we rob God, according to Malachi 3:8-12. That final book of the Old Testament also gives God’s promises to those who faithfully give tithes and offerings (over and above the tithe). New Testament believers not only paid their tithe, but on average gave much more back to God. Why emphasize the tithe when many followers of Jesus gave 30% or even 100% (Acts 2:42-47)? In today’s reading, under the Law, if someone wanted their gifts back, they paid one-fifth more.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the freedom of Grace. We give as You have prospered us with joyful and generous hearts. I’ve just read again, Lord, 1 Cor. 16:2, where believers gave every Sunday for the needs of others. What a blessing to partner with You for Your great cause. Keep me faithful I pray. In the Name of the One who gave all, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Jay and Meridel live in Israel and exemplify the New Testament teaching on giving to God. At the end of the 1960s, as a young couple with a little son, they gave up everything to follow the Lord’s leading. I was their pastor and I saw it happen. Jay was assistant administrator of a local Hamilton hospital and Meridel was a nurse there. They drove a sparkling Corvette Sting Ray sports car. They sold everything and left for the mission field of the Philippines. From there, they were called of God around the world to minister with the Jewish people.
