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That Tithing Thing (3)
We mentioned how Abraham and Jacob gave because they met with God. A while after those guys lived, God gave the law to Moses, which is probably where you’d expect to find actual rules on tithing. If you’re thinking that, you’re right. In Leviticus 27, we get a picture of what kind of tithes God expected from His people at that time. But, if you’re expecting that to be a straight 10% of their income, it’s not. From reading Leviticus 27, people have figured out that at least 20% of the Hebrew people’s property and food-produce was given away in a tithe. But, that changed from year to year, as different tithes cycled in and out over different periods. The one thing that stands out, though, is this: it wasn’t about percentages, it was about making sure everyone was looked after. Some tithes went to widows, and priests, and travellers – people who would have relied on those tithe-crops to eat every day. That means that, actually, there really isn’t that much difference between those Old Testament-time tithes, and what’s expected of us now. It’s still not about percentages.
Check out Acts 2:45. The New Testament, just like the Old, shows that God’s model is to use what we have to look out for anyone who has need. That kind of tithing throws the whole ‘formula’ thing out of the window, doesn’t it?
What Now?
Take a while to let that sink in. Instead of only thinking about 10%, spend time asking God what He wants of you. Ask for Him to point you to an act of practical giving today, regardless of whether it was what you expected to give, or not.
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