Today’s Bible Reading:
Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 16
Topic: Tithing
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 12:19
19 Take heed
to yourself that you do not forsake the Levite…
(Deuteronomy 12:19 NKJV)
OBSERVATION:
The Levites were the priests. They were the ministers—the
pastors. Because of God’s calling to the
positions they held, they did not have land of their own. They served full-time
as ministers to the people and had no means to provide for themselves. Their
sustenance was to be provided by the people they served. The people were
admonished to make sure their ministers were well provided for. There were twelve
tribes of Israel .
The tribe of the Levites was set aside to serve in the priesthood. That means
that there was roughly one minister for every eleven people. If the people
faithfully gave a tenth of their income, that would be just enough to provide
for the Levites and care for the tabernacle or temple.
APPLICATION:
The same principle holds true today. It is the people’s
responsibility before God to make sure their pastors maintain a good standard
of living. Under these provisions it is absolutely necessary that everyone,
without exception, bring their tithes (10%) to present to the Lord. If they do
not, their ministers will necessarily have to live below the average standard
of living of the people they serve.
PRAYER:
Lord, even though I am called to serve as a minister, albeit
currently semi-retired, I know this principle applies to me too. I joyfully
bring my tithes to You. Yet, as a minister, help me to teach this truth to
others without seeming to be self-serving.
For Your sake and for the blessing of Your people. Amen. -AP
No comments:
Post a Comment