Day 71: The Gift of Giving

12 Mar, 2018

The Daily Word: Monday, March 12th, 2018
Numbers 16:41-18:32
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 11:7
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:

“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.” – Num 18:21

God’s people gave their tithe – a tenth of all – to the Levites. The Levites were those whom God had set apart to “perform the work of the tabernacle of meeting” (v 23). Notice the progression here: the people were giving to God; but they were giving through His ministers.

The same held true for the offering. Whenever God’s people made an offering to God, they would give their gift to the priests – Aaron and his sons:

All the best of the oil, all the best of the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits which they offer to the Lord, I have given them to you. – Num 18:12

As New Testament Christians, the tithe and the offering are still practiced (see Matt 23:23). They are given to the local church: the body that ministers God’s Word, and provides care for His people.

Under the New Covenant, we don’t give because we have to; we give because we get to! Giving is a gift from God. He gives us more than enough, so we can bless and build His house in return!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gift of giving. I want my giving to change lives. Give me a generous heart, in Jesus’ name!

Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.

© Michael D. White, 2018. All rights reserved.