Read Deuteronomy 26 – Presenting tithes and offerings to the LORD. “When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession and you have conquered it and settled there, 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.” :1
Take a look at the partnership the LORD is inviting the Israelites into with just this verse (and the parallels we have as Christians). 1) God gave them the land as a special possession, a gift (For the Christian this is Jesus – John 3:16). 2) They were to enter it (It’s a bit like Salvation, which is offered to ALL, but only those who clearly ask – receive). 3) They had to conquer it (again, like walking with Jesus, if one does not turn from their old life – repent- and embrace the awesome freedom of this new life, then what’s the point?). 4) And settle there (The Christian term is sanctification – the life-long process of walking with Jesus – it’s more than a Sunday only relationship – one should continually strive towards holiness). 5) The LORD told them to put some of the first produce aside… (as we are to set aside our first fruits). 6) God continues with, “from each crop you harvest” (one could consider this financial tithe, as well as time, talents, and resources). 7) And bring it to the place of worship – the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored (God picks the place, for believers that would be the church. When you give to your church, you are not blessing them, you are thanking God).
Beloved, look at that, we are only one verse in, and you’ve heard more than enough from me. Enjoy the rest of Chapter 26, and examine the ways you are living up to this call to tithes and offerings.
Judy in the Sky 