Title: In Proportion
Author: Tony Beckett and Woodrow Kroll
Deuteronomy 16-18, Mark 13:1-20
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 16:17
Bring up the subject of giving and some reactions are standard. The negative person says, "The church is always asking for money." The self-justifying person says, "I tithe." The evading person says, "I gave at the office."
In the midst of instructions for the "Pilgrim Festivals," annual events that all male Israelites were supposed to attend, is a statement on giving.
First, notice the context is one that emphasizes rejoicing in the Lord (16:11, 14-15). These were times of celebration. Our hearts should be filled with the joy of the Lord.
Second, notice that they were not to come empty-handed (v. 16). Words are cheap, but giving costs. The gifts brought reflected the reality of the heart. To give with joy demonstrates the genuineness of our worship.
Third, notice the gift was to be in proportion to the way they had been blessed (v. 17). Yes, this was a tithe. This, however, was not a percentage gift but a proportionate one. In the same way, our giving is to be as "God has blessed" or "in keeping with [our] income" (1 Cor. 16:2).
Some people find joy as they gain and keep. But followers of God have joy, and from their gain, they give.
Does your giving to the Lord's work follow this pattern? Today you can begin to give as God teaches you to give.
Daily devotions courtesy of Devotions.org, a ministry of Back to the Bible.
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