I once heard a story of a father trying to teach his young son about tithing and giving offerings to God. After helping his father with some household chores, the boy was given a dollar. His father told him that what he must do is give 10% to the church, a dime, because we are supposed to tithe. The boy couldn’t seem to understand why that “big ol’ church” that needed four men to carry the money plates every Sunday needed his 10 cents. Finally, in frustration, the boy told his father that “if God needs my 10 cents so bad, he can just have the whole dollar!” Truth is, I have known people over the years that had a hard time surrendering a portion of what God has provided for them back to him as a tithe or offering. We may chuckle at the young boy’s lack of understanding, but many folks have difficulty understanding why God calls upon his faithful to return tithes and offerings to him.

You may have heard the scriptural description of God’s wealth. In Psalm 50:10 we are told that every animal of the forest belongs to God, as well as the picturesque “cattle on a thousand hills.” In Haggai 2:8 God states that “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” All of creation belongs to the Lord already! Much of Numbers 28-31 details very specific regulations for offerings from God’s people. His call to obedience and cheerfulness in surrendering a portion of all he provides us does not come from a place of greed or seeking affluence. God is not penniless, waiting for his followers to fill his coffers. Instead, God desires the gifts that come from a willing and obedient heart.

Lord, help me to be obedient to you and to experience the joy of generosity and the satisfaction of following you with my whole heart. AMEN

Joe Pritchett

Extended Scripture: Numbers 28–31