S) "26 You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household."
Deuteronomy 14:26 (NASB)
O) The people were receiving instruction about what to do if they are too far away from a holy sanctuary, and they cannot offer their tithe. God told them to liquidate their tithe (grain or livestock), and then essentially throw a party for their household! This is the character of the LORD: He wants His people to rejoice in Him. The purpose of tithing is twofold. The first purpose was to provide a share for the priesthood, since they had no portion of land. The second purpose is to teach the tither, to hold the blessings of God with an open hand. God is not trying to rob His people; He wants His people to be cheerful givers. Tithing is not a burden, but a blessing.
A) Sometimes, thinking of God as a party-throwing-Dad is hard for me. It's revealed throughout Scripture, though. Jesus compared heaven to a wedding feast. The LORD commanded His people to celebrate Jubilee, and various annual feasts. And there is the above verse. The most crucial, and must-not-be-missed portion of the passage above, though, is the phrase, "in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice," This does not give me free reign to act however I want, claiming that "I'm rejoicing in the presence of the LORD." This was a very specific verse, in the context of tithing that is not brought into the temple. But, it conveys the grace that God has toward His children. I need to see the blessings behind God's commands, and remember that He is interested in my joy, me and my household.
P) Father, I want to honor You with my tithe. You have so faithfully provided for me, and I want to faithfully give back to You, Lord. I am sometimes easily distracted, God. I lose focus on the purposes behind tithing. This passage of Your words reminds me of the focus: joy. I am supposed to tithe because it shifts my emphasis from chasing money, to chasing You. Remind me to hold Your blessings with an open hand, Lord. I want to be a blessing to others, with what You have given me. I want to obediently serve Your purposes with the resources You have entrusted to me. Help me remember that tithing is not a spiritual bill to pay, but a discipline of humility, thanksgiving, and joy. I want to celebrate in what You have given me, whether I am able to give it back to bless others, or celebrate Your faithfulness to me with my family. When I am stressed about money, remind me that You are sovereign in Your provision. Help me to fully, joyfully trust You completely in the area of finances. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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