Title [Lent 26th] Deuteronomy 14:22-29 (2011.4.7)
Contents
Title: Who is the Donation for?
Main text: (Deuteronomy 14:22-29)
Hymns: 211. expensive perfume
Date: April 7th (Thursday), 5am (26th of Lent)
Venue: Jeonju Yebut Church Small Worship Room
One of the most important parts of the life of faith is the life of giving. Giving is an expression of your heart with material things. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Today's text is specifically about tithing. We would like to examine who tithing is for and meditate on the life of giving.
1. For God (verse 23)
After emphasizing the Israelites to lead a separate life in the land of Canaan, God speaks about tithing. Tithing is a system that acknowledges that God is the owner of material goods and gives a tenth of one's income as a gift. God has commanded us to give this tithe in a designated place and as a designated gift. In other words, he made it known that offerings are not human-centered, but God-centered. We must learn to fear God through tithing. This is the true meaning of tithing. By paying tithing, I can give thanks to God for all that He has given me and fully fear Him.
2. For us (verse 26)
When Israel settled in the land of Canaan, God gave necessary regulations for those who were not able to pay tithes directly because they were far from the sanctuary. Instead of taking the produce of the tithe and going directly to the central sanctuary, they exchange it for cash and purchase the necessary offerings near the sanctuary to offer thanksgiving. This is a ordinance that shows God's love for mankind. In this way, God is kindly leading the people of Israel. God also commanded us to buy wine, etc., so that the whole family could eat and rejoice. Those who give their gifts with all their heart receive joy and grace from God. All donations become channels of joy and blessing from God.
3. For the sake of the neighbor (verse 29)
God commanded that when the Israelites ate sacrifices with their families after offering sacrifices and offerings, they should also be with the Levites who had no portion or inheritance. He also commanded that tithes in the third year be used for strangers, orphans, and widows. This is a message to help the poor through donations. It is a message to use donations for neighbors. Just as God did not forget the poor, we must remember the poor. Offerings should be used in a valuable way for God's work, such as maintaining the livelihood of gospel workers, managing the church, and helping neighbors.
The right offering not only pleases God, but also brings us joy. It also pleases the neighbors. Are you happy to set apart God's things? Do you still not mistake God's things as if they were mine? I hope that you will enjoy the joy and joy that God gives you through the right donation.
<Prayer>
1. Let me devote myself to the Lord and live!
2. Be with us in the midst of the Great Chamber, and let each family be built up with the Word!
3. Heal and restore our weak members!