|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
I’ve heard opponents of tithing call it an Old Testament concept. That’s true as we read this command. . .
You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year (Deuteronomy 14:22, ESV).
But the Old Testament also describes a blessing that comes from diligent tithing. . .
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need (Malachi 3:10).
Those opponents of tithing probably want the blessing without the sacrifice.
I’ve also heard believers say that Jesus doesn’t teach tithing (which He doesn’t) or, at the very least, He doesn’t specifically use the word “tithe” as an obligation. However, Jesus did say — please read carefully:
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you (Luke 6:38).
Deuteronomy (verse listed above) describes tithing seed from the harvest, and Malachi (also listed above) explains the blessing of faithful tithing. In Luke 6:38 (listed above), Jesus describes giving a good measure and then receiving an abundant blessing.
It’s easy to see the parallels between the Old Testament and Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament. While Jesus doesn’t technically teach “tithing,” He does say that we should give a “good measure” for an exponential return, just as the Old Testament does!
Again, do we say yes to the blessing but no to the giving?
Underlying both the Old Testament concept of the “tithe” and the New Testament principle of “measure” lies a psychology of rejoicing that comes through generosity. And receiving this “joy” is the reason that giving exists as a major teaching in both the Old and New Testaments.
Also, both the Old and New Testaments indicate a stronger relationship with God through tithing/generosity.
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God … And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you (Genesis 28:20-22).
And Paul reflects this same idea of connectedness with God by giving. . .
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
When a person says that tithing is Old Testament or that Jesus didn’t teach the topic as a practice for us today, I think, “Wow, you are cutting yourself off from the manifold blessings of God.”
I’m a literalist when it comes to tithing. I want God’s blessings, so my wife and I give a full tithe and even offerings above the tithe. Both of us desire to receive. . .
. . .the Old and the New Testaments’ promises of abundance through generosity that’s motivated by our love for God.