TITHING (PROVIDING FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED): Devotion for Friday August 5, 2016

TITHING (PROVIDING FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED)   Friday August 5, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 26: 12

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 26:12 – When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year-the year of tithing-and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be filled

In Deuteronomy 14:28 and 29 we have a vivid description of what is expected of the Israelis in respect of tithing. Tithing is also meant to provide for the less privilege in the society like the fatherless, widows, stranger and above all, the Levites. Yesterday, we read that tithing is a way of providing food at the storehouse in the temple. Tithing does not end at bringing your produce to the priest in the temple or paying the money. There are some other things expected of us if we are to reap the full benefit of tithing.

Deuteronomy 26:15 specifically speaks of the kind of prayers that should be said after paying tithes. It demands, asking for God’s blessing on you and the land from where you harvested what you sow as tithe. The land as used here in reference to your means of livelihood includes; your office, business, your career and wherever you make your living. Negligence of doing this may cause us our reward. Remember Daniel 10:12–14. Whenever you sow seed, pay tithe, give alms or give your offering, always back it up with prayers so that your reward will not be hindered. That prayer is as necessary as the paying of tithe itself. Therefore don’t be too nonchalant about it.

Beloved in Christ, do you remember the less privilege in your neighbourhood as you harvest your farm produce or receive your salary? Do you make regular provision for them or you remember them only once in a year probably during Christmas? It ought not to be so. We should have them in our schedule of things. It is our duty to provide for them as you receive your monthly income. If not, repent now and start. It is better late than never.

Food for Thought: Consider what can you do to assist the less privileged in our society outside tithing?

Prayer Point: Grant me the grace, O Lord, to start assisting the less privileged. Help me to be faithful in taking care of them that I cross their way in Jesus name.