THE PRINCIPLE OF THE TITHE
The first principle of the tithe, which is ten percent of the harvest, is that it “belongs to the Lord.” Therefore, bringing the tithe to the Temple was not an offering, but an obligation. To do otherwise would be “robbery” (Mal. 3:8). It reminded the people that God is owner of all things.
The second principle is that the tithe is “holy.” It is “set apart” for special use. It was not to be consumed but given to the Temple for the support of the priests and their families. The Lord had given land to all the tribes of Israel except for the tribe of Levi. For the tribe of Levi was set apart unto the Lord as a tribe of priests. They were to care for the Temple and live off of the tithes given to the Lord from the other tribes.
Today, the followers of Jesus are not under the law, but under grace. Yet, the principle of the tithe is still relevant. For God is still owner of all things and the work of His church still needs the support of His people.
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the gift of life and for all that is needed for life. We thank You for meeting our needs in Christ Jesus. We therefore offer back to You freely all that we are and all that we have, knowing that all things belong to You. You are a giving God and we would be a giving people, full of thankfulness and generosity, just as You bless us to do so. In Jesus’ name, Amen.