Deuteronomy 26 - Biblical "Giving"

When most people consider the topic of stewardship their minds immediately leap to the tithe. Many churches don't teach stewardship apart from an annual giving campaign. It is sad that so many Christians do not have sound teaching. Today the topic is the firstfruits and tithe. 

Interesting in Deuteronomy 26, God does not refer to the tithe as a gift, though we often refer to offerings before the Lord as gifts. It indicates some warped theology on our parts to refer to the tithe or firstfruits as a gift. In this chapter the rationale for the firstfruits is to publicly recognize the gifts we have received from God. God provides the land, the strength, the sustenance and the increase that we have what we need. It is only right to acknowledge the only giver in this equation - the Creator, Almighty God. We are merely beneficiaries of His generosity. When we begin to consider the tithe a gift, it removes God as the giver and elevates our contributions as if we are the provider. 

The purpose for the tithe was firstly to call to remembrance that we have been abundantly blessed by God. God gave us more than our needs. The second purpose was to use the abundance to care for those in the service of the tabernacle (our pastoral staff and missionaries). This allows them to focus on the service to God and not have to earn a separate income to supply for themselves. The tithe was to be offered for widows, orphans and the poor in the third year. God uses His abundance to provide for those who otherwise have little provision. As we learned in Deut 24, God cares for all people an makes provision for the poor. 

What can we learn about the tithe that we can apply?  As with the Israelites, the tithe is done on recognition of God's provision for our needs. We should remember our heritage and how God has made provision for our physical needs but also for our souls. God is the great giver of all time. Likewise, as we grow in the character of Christ His son, we also should be generous not only in returning a portion for the work of the church but also to provide for the poor and disadvantaged. We are Christ to these who need a message of hope. God uses his people to be beacons in a world that does not know Him. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.