Daily Reading: Hebrews 7
Scripture Focus: In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. (Hebrews 7.8)
Devotional Thought: Recently I spoke with a friend of mine who is struggling to get out from under student loan debts. At the same time, he has been developing his Christian stewardship. He told me that he and his wife weren't sure how they were going to be able to tithe (give 10% of their income to God), but that they did it anyway. His testimony: "We didn't miss it." They still had what they needed and did most of what they wanted.
In Hebrews 7, we read about how Abraham tithed to God through the priest Melchizedek. God had blessed Abraham, and Abraham honored God through his tithing. (You can read the background story in Genesis 14.) How many of us have discovered the miraculous truth of tithing? How many of us practice it?
I think that the reason most people don't tithe is that they misunderstand the nature of the tithe. It is not a gift to the church, it is a recognition of the sovereignty of God over all of life. We give 10% back to God because we know that he has given us everything that we have. In Abraham's case, tithes are described as being "received... by the one of whom it is testified that he lives." This is a reference to God. Though Abraham presented his tithe to Melchizedek, it was received by God.
I always find it amazing that God would receive anything from us, that he would allow us the privilege of partnering with him in the work of eternity. Are you financial partners with the Sovereign of the universe?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God Almighty, for all the blessings you have given to me. All I have comes from your hand. Help me to honor you with the Christian discipline of tithing. As Jesus gave his all, help me to give my tithe as a token of my complete dependence upon you. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. 8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me. 9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. 12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. 13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." (Psalms 50:7-15)
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