IT IS THE LORD’S
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30, ESV
Theme: The tithe already belongs to God; it is His and it is holy.
HOLY TO THE LORD
In God’s Word, many things are identified as “holy to the Lord.” Among them: Israel or God’s people (Leviticus 11:45), the Sabbath (Exodus 16:23), the plate made for the high priest’s turban (Exodus 28:35-37), firstborn sons (Luke 2:23), and offerings for atonement (Exodus 30:10). The tithe is a type of offering, and it is also identified as “holy to the Lord.” Before we allocate the tithe to God, before we bring the tithe, it exists and is already His holy tithe. Whether it is fruit, seeds, or currency, it is His.
DEFILED
When holy things are mistreated, they become defiled. In the Old Testament, a holy person who touched something associated with death became defiled. The Sabbath is defiled when it is not observed. The temple is defiled if idols are brought into it. Moreover, anytime we take something that is holy and mess it up, it becomes defiled.
DANGEROUS
In the Bible, the Holy of Holies or the inner sanctum of the tabernacle was a dangerous place. We often think of God as comforting and protecting, and He is; yet His holiness makes His nature incompatible with the defiled. Unfortunately, sinners remain perpetually defiled if not for an atoning sacrifice. Defiled things can’t be with the holy or they will be destroyed (Leviticus 15:31). Keeping back a tithe which is holy to the Lord is not allocating it correctly, mistreating it. The tenth percent of your goods changes from being holy to the Lord to defiled. Could it be dangerous?
A METAPHOR FOR HOLINESS
The Bible Project videos compare God’s holiness to the energy from the sun. It is a source of life for us, yet if we get too close to it, we can’t survive its radiance. Pure sunlight – at close range – incinerates. I don’t understand completely how God deals with our disobedience surrounding the tithe. But I know I don't want to treat His money flippantly or carelessly! As believers in His Word, which says it’s His and is holy, we should be highly motivated to manage His tithes appropriately!
Make It Personal: If you are a believer, baptized into the family of God, consider the tithe. Why is it hard to release the tithe to God? Do we really believe it is already His? Why might holding back money dedicated to God’s work be harmful or dangerous? How has God gently led you in tithing, offering more than 10%, or in lavish generosity?
Pray: Lord, thank You for allowing me to be a part of what You are doing in the world. Thank You for trusting me with resources. Help me to learn to release the tithe back to You with no reservation, understanding that it was already Yours. Thank You for providing for my needs and many desires as well. You have been good to me. Help me to tithe cheerfully in acknowledgement that You already own those resources, and they are holy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Leviticus 19:1-2, 2 Chronicles 31:5-10; Exodus 30:10; Luke 2:23
Weekly Memory Verse: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21, NIV