2023_12_20 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Malachi 3-4, Revelation 21-22
In our reading this week we come across some powerful truths from the prophet Malachi. Using a “Question and Answer” format, God uses him to confront the people who claim to be faithful but are actually far from it. Here is one of the things God called them out on:
“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!
“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’
“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:8-10 (NLT)
As God’s, they would give mental assent to God being their Lord but in practice, they didn’t treat Him that way. The tithe (literally “a tenth”) was a part of the Israelite’s duty in worship. They recognized God as the owner of all they had and believed they were managers of His resources. In Deuteronomy, we see the purpose of the regular tithe, “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB)
There are at least four reasons for tithing, both then and now, but none of them are “God needs our money”. First, it provides a regular and constant reminder that all we have is directly or indirectly from Him. For instance, our opportunities and abilities all have God as the ultimate source. Second, our tithes allow us to help resource the work God is doing through His church. Rather than being merely consumers, we are active participants. Third, as we are faithful in our tithes and offerings (anything given above the 10%) we will witness God providing for us in ways that strengthen and build our confidence and trust in Him. And fourth, as we are faithful in our financial support to His church and experience God’s provision and blessing in and through our lives, a watching world will take notice and be intrigued.
God goes on to say through Malachi,
“Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Malachi 3:11-12 (NLT)
The message then applies today.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor