Tithing is rejoicing

With the coming of direct withdrawal and the increasing debt of every American it is no surprise that the biblical concept of a tithe has been explained away or forgotten. What is the tithe? At it's most basic the tithe is worship.

Deuteronomy 26:10&11 10 And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

The Israelite would bring the tithe to the tabernacle/temple, offer it to God by giving it to the priest, and eat part of it there. It would be a celebration of the best God had given and an offering of the best God had given. The tither enjoyed some and the priest enjoyed some. The offering was a community worship event. God is good; just look at this rack of lamb. God is good; just look in my cup.

Worship destroyers in relation to the tithe are many, obvious, and strong. Our materialism increases our debt and decreases our tithe. Our disconnection from the church and our hesitancy to get involved in ministry increases our selfishness and decreases our tithe. Why should I give when I don't get? The Israelites gave and got.

If you are struggling with tithing one way to combat that attitude is to get involved in a ministry that needs money to operate. You'll see immediately how your tithe leads to your joy through the ministry God provides.

Lord help us to get involved. Show us the needs that are all around us that only You can meet. We know Christ died to change people and change the world. Let that change come through us and reach the ends of the earth. Stir our hearts to value You above the things of this world. May we love You and display that love clearly through our tithes. Help us to worship.

Amen