“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.”
Leviticus 27:30
Everything we call ours comes from the Lord. He’s behind every circumstance—family, nationality, education, opportunities—that lets us work to make the money with which we buy things. In light of that, we see how generous God is to require only ten percent back when truly it’s all His.
Jesus condemns those who give to God yet remain stingy toward others. Often we’re so focused on what is ours that we struggle to part with ten percent for God, much less for our neighbor. Many years ago while traveling by train in China, I was humbled as I hoarded a bag of M&Ms which were scarce there. Then a Chinese peasant woman chopped up her whole watermelon and gave half of it to me and my friend. The shame I felt at that time still pricks my conscience now.
We know the Lord provides for us according to His will. He wants us to be generous as He has been with us. Test Him in this, and see if He will not “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10).
Jesus condemns those who give to God yet remain stingy toward others. Often we’re so focused on what is ours that we struggle to part with ten percent for God, much less for our neighbor. Many years ago while traveling by train in China, I was humbled as I hoarded a bag of M&Ms which were scarce there. Then a Chinese peasant woman chopped up her whole watermelon and gave half of it to me and my friend. The shame I felt at that time still pricks my conscience now.
We know the Lord provides for us according to His will. He wants us to be generous as He has been with us. Test Him in this, and see if He will not “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10).
Scripture Focus
Matthew 23:23-24
Insight
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 23-24
- Psalm 115
- 1 Corinthians 5-6
