Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. - Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
On a recent trip to the Berkshires, we visited Edith Wharton’s house, The Mount, in Lenox, MA. A prolific writer, Wharton’s books were written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Two of her most well-known works, “The House of Mirth” and “The Age of Innocence,” focus on wealth and characters who struggle with its meaning. While these books are fiction, humans often struggle with the gifts God has so freely given.
As our gracious benefactor, God gives us breath, His creation to enjoy, and our daily bread. Most importantly, God gives us spiritual freedom when we accept Jesus Christ. In short, everything we have comes from Him. The money we make from our physical toil is not really ours; God gave us the means and health to earn it.
God asks for a tithe—just 10% of everything, while we keep 90%. That 10% includes not only our financial resources but everything. Of the breath we breathe, we should return a tithe in prayer and worship; for the health we’ve been given, we return a tithe in service of the Lord—doing acts that help others.
In today’s verse, the tithe God mentions involves bringing grain into the storehouse. This levy supported the Levites, who served in the Temple and had no other resources, and those without land, such as widows and orphans. The blessing that comes is not a promise of personal prosperity—there is no guarantee that individuals will become wealthy by giving. Instead, the blessing is upon the nation, which recognizes God and cares for its people.
Gracious and Giving God, we thank You for everything—our breath, the beauty of the day, and the resources You have given us. Lord, help us remember that You are the source of it all. Help us change our thinking about what we’ve been given and what we give to You in return. May we give back to You lovingly, freely, and generously. May you take our gifts and use them to promote the life-saving gospel of Jesus Christ. May they help those in need. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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