1. God is such and AMAZING provider! Yesterday He blessed our family with a surprise gift from people we have never even met before (well, one we met a long time ago)! It is yet another reminder that He is faithful, reliable, and TRUE! David says he will proclaim God’s goodness, and that’s what I’m doing! 2. I’m learning a lot…. which means there are a lot of discoveries, and even more questions. I’ve learned a lot about the difference between the Greek and Hebrew mindset. And I probably need to go and listen and read more so that it really sets in. Right now I’m listening to information about the book of Genesis. It’s fascinating and mindboggling and engrossing and challenging and makes me hungry to know more because it’s like cleaning a pair of glasses so I can see more clearly. I’m learning a lot about the Bible, but also a lot about the God who made me. 3. Today I’ve been reading about tithing. I almost hate posting about it because sometimes I get such strong responses from people who are seriously not happy with my opinion. But I’ll put it here anyway, because it’s my blog, and because I can. You don’t have to agree. And honestly, there’s so much to learn and so many views that I haven’t quite made up my mind what to do with all the information I’ve read and listened to. Anyhow, here it is: There seem to be several views on tithing. There is, of course, the traditional view: give 10% (either to the church or to the ministry, depending on your pastor/denomination). Then there’s two other views: a. The Hebrew View #1 (the Old Testament is still alive and valid, based on Jesus adherance as well as Paul’s, Peter’s and the other disciples, with the view that the Messianic sect of Judaism didn’t separate from the Jewish synagogue until Constantine became emperor and standardized Christianity as we know it today): this view says that the tithe originated when God gave Moses the Law. There were 3 tithes – one that was 10% and went to the Levites (and the priests); one that was 10% of the 90% left over after the first tithe that was saved for the annual pilgrimage to wherever God wanted them to worship (traditionally the temple in Jerusalem) and eaten in a huge celebratory feast. Then every 3rd and 6th year there was a tithe given to the poor, widow, and foreigner (those who didn’t have land to farm in order to provide for themselves). There was no tithing in the 7th year because the land was not farmed. Of course, the implications here are multiple: we no longer have a tribe of levites, nor a priesthood that serves at the temple. We no longer have a temple since it was razed by the Romans (I think). So, there is no tithe to be given unless you count the one in the 3rd and 6th year for the poor, widow, and foreigner. Our tithes don’t usually go to that (some do, but a lot of it goes to salaries and building maintenance). So, following the logical trail, the tithe doesn’t apply to us today. Okay, so what about Paul’s exhortation to the various churches (I think it was Galatia or Corinth)? The answer there is that Paul is applying an Old Testament principle of giving, but he’s not commanding it, nor is there any implication that God is commanding it. There’s a request for the church to be generous and give what they promised to give. There are no numbers commanded, just a statement that it should be whatever they decided in their hearts to give. b. The Hebrew View #2 (the Old Testament, or rather the Law, is no longer applicable to Christians today because Jesus’ death and resurrection was the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all the requirements of the law and nullifying it by creating a new Covenant based on the forgiveness found in the blood of Christ.): Similar to the Hebrew View #1, there are types of tithes, but all of the tithes were agricultural and meant to be eaten. The tithes were from anything that was grown, and sometimes livestock. The use of money in place of the agriculture was penalized by adding an additional 5% on top of the 10%. The tithe was meant to be consumed in a feast. The people were supposed to invite and include the poor, the widow, and the stranger/foreigner in these feasts. They reminded the people that the things we are given are fleeting and not meant to be hoarded (remember that thing about storing up heavenly treasure?). Anyhow, the implication, again, is that the tithe as is traditional in our churches is not mentioned again in any way (the obligatory 10% of all income). And even if the assumption is draw connecting the Old Testament system of tithes to Paul’s statements to the churches in Corinth or Galatia, if the Old Testament Law is no longer valid, then wouldn’t that invalidate the tithe as well? If it’s argued that the tithe dates back to before the Law was given, then closer look would show that Abraham only tithed one time that is recorded, and Jacob’s promise of tithing was based on an attempt to bribe God into blessing him. There aren’t any other records of anyone tithing (that I know of). Everyone agrees that our giving today should be an expression of our thanksgiving for the blessings that God gives us. It should be given without obligation. It should be of our own determination (not a prescribed amount). It should be given to support the ones who preach God’s word (pastors and the church), the poor, widown, orphans, and those within the church who are in need. And it’s not a tithe. It’s a reminder to us that everything we have belongs to God. It’s a voluntary symbol of His blessing given to others from what I’ve been given. I still don’t know how much or of what, or even if I’m completely off my rocker. I don’t know the answer. And maybe that’s okay. Maybe that’s part of the point. It’s not about me controlling everything. It’s about learning to listen to YHWH and about learning to relate to Him. It’s about being in the center where He is and doing what He wants in order to bring Him recognition and praise. It’s about faith. Here are some interesting articles: http://www.acts17-11.com/dialogs_tithe.html http://www.layhands.com/MustChristiansTitheTenPercent.htm http://skipmoen.com/2009/07/15/tithe/ http://skipmoen.com/2010/04/06/more-on-tithing/ http://skipmoen.com/2010/04/05/the-principle-of-excess/ http://www.eshavbooks.org/08-topical.htm (see All About Tithing mp3)
Due to craziness with sick children last night, may I direct your (and my) attention to Skip Moen (again) and an interesting commentary on tithing and keeping things in context? It’s very interesting. And now, without further ado, Skip Moen’s Prophetic Profits. See you tomorrow!