S) "10 Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok said to him, 'Since the contributions began to be brought into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat with plenty left over, for the Lord has blessed His people, and this great quantity is left over.'"
2 Chronicles 31:10 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 31
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 31
O) Hezekiah had begun great reforms in Judah, reestablishing order to the temple. Part of that, was to reestablish the tithe, in order for the Levites to be free to do the work of the temple (v.4). Because the LORD was with Hezekiah in this reform, and because people respond to God-given authority and leadership, the people began faithfully tithing right away. In doing so, the priests had an abundance immediately (which also calls to mind the promise of Malachi 3:10, and makes me wonder who is promised that overflowing blessing).
A) Understanding the purpose behind the commands of God is critical to consistent obedience. To be clear, tithing specifically (i.e., giving exactly one tenth), is not commanded in the New Testament. Giving is still commanded in the NT, but the amount isn't ever specified. In fact, the only examples we have for the amounts Christians would give, seem to indicate that a "tithe" wouldn't be nearly enough anyway (see Acts 2:44-45, 2 Corinthians 8:3). But, it's important to remember why I'm giving (whether it's a "tithe" or more, or money or resources or time). The important thing is that I am facilitating the work of the Lord, advancing His Kingdom, however I can. He will bless the harvesters in the field, as well as the ones sending them, when I am faithful to support ministry on either end (by giving, or by doing).
A) Understanding the purpose behind the commands of God is critical to consistent obedience. To be clear, tithing specifically (i.e., giving exactly one tenth), is not commanded in the New Testament. Giving is still commanded in the NT, but the amount isn't ever specified. In fact, the only examples we have for the amounts Christians would give, seem to indicate that a "tithe" wouldn't be nearly enough anyway (see Acts 2:44-45, 2 Corinthians 8:3). But, it's important to remember why I'm giving (whether it's a "tithe" or more, or money or resources or time). The important thing is that I am facilitating the work of the Lord, advancing His Kingdom, however I can. He will bless the harvesters in the field, as well as the ones sending them, when I am faithful to support ministry on either end (by giving, or by doing).
P) Father, You are gracious in Your providence and security. I want to be faithful, with how I support ministries. Help me to be generous with all that You have given me. I know that You will bless me with more, so that I can give more, because that's the principle at work in this verse. The more I give to Your work, the more You bless me, so that I can support more work again. Change my heart about this, and through this process. Help me forsake greed and materialism, and embrace humility and generosity. All of this to Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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