Vows and Tithes

O. T. #299  "Vows and Tithes"
May 30, 2014
Leviticus 27
And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.  Leviticus 27:32

LET IT GLOW

Here we are in the final chapter, in which God gave Israel the laws regarding vows and dedications. Much of this book came while Moses was on Mt. Sinai the two times he spent 40 days with the Lord.
It concerns the presentation of non-sacrificial items to God, such as:

• persons (verses 3-8),
• animals (verses 9-13),
• houses (verses14-15),
• fields (verses 16-25).

We should take seriously what we dedicate to the Lord. Everyone can give their life to the Lord. None are too small, insignificant, or useless. God wants to use each and every one of us for His glory and purpose.

Ecclesiastes 5:4 -5 NIV says: When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.


LET IT GROW

This general tithe was given to the Levites. (Numbers 18:21-32) This is the only mention of tithe or ten percent in Leviticus. However, along with this offering, there were two other OT tithes which totaled about 23% annually (Deut. 14:22, 28-29) (MacArthur)

The tithe of the land belonged to God and was given to the Levite priests at the tabernacle, and later the Temple (Mal. 3:10).
Jesus noted that the Pharisees tithed even small seeds (Matt. 23:23) and all that they possessed (Luke 18:12).

But you  have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness.
(Matt. 23:23b NIV)

We take His commendation as an encouragement to tithe. Christians begin with the tithe of 10%. However, we don't have to stop there.

Giving today should be to and through the local church (Acts 4:34-37: 1 Cor. 16:2) for the purpose of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Risen Lamb of God.  (Falwell)

Do we give from the love of our heart?
We could never repay all that the Lord has done for us and give us, could we? Instead, He wants us to love one another.

LET IT GO

Be faithful in vows, dedications, and tithes.