Scripture:
Numbers 18:20-21 ESV
[20] And the Lord said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel. [21] “To the Levites, I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,
Observation:
The Levites were chosen by GOD to serve in the temple. They had things to do. Not only was their heart set to serve but their job was to serve as well. They were responsible for everything that went on at the temple. The lamps that burned 24/7 the showbread that needed to be replaced regularly, and every sacrifice that was offered. Their lives were consumed with taking care of the congregation. They did not have time to take care of a regular job or life for that matter the days were occupied. So GOD made sure they had what they needed everything that the congregation brought into the temple was theirs. Their responsibility was to give 10% of the 10% that they were given, and GOD would make sure they would not have to worry about anything but the needs of the congregation.
Application:
Do you ever wonder where your money goes when you give to the church? I don’t first of all it’s not my money. GOD has given it to me and I want HIM to have what HE asks for out of it. Now that that has been said. I want to make a statement. I love being able to come to a church where I know the pastor has been able to sit down with the word of GOD and study it thoroughly, and it can be heard in the way he speaks the message GOD has placed in his heart. I don’t want the pastor of the church that I attended to have to take on a job other than studying the bible. Not that I don’t take time to study it myself, but if I am going to trust him to speak GOD’s truth. He needs to be speaking GOD’s truth, and for him to do that his focus needs to be the bible. Now that being said in a church the size of the one I attended there are more responsibilities than just bringing the message there is youth ministry life recovery and children’s ministry not to mention outreach and missions and so many other service positions. Some paid and some not paid. I want those people to be able to serve GOD in the calling that HE has placed on them as well. Without concern for how they are going to eat or where they are going to live. So I give to my church. One day I hope to be working in the ministry full time. It’s what GOD has called me to. At this point, I’m just waiting for the right spot to open. That HE has called me to. So I can step into it. I’m not looking for that spot because I want your money. I’m looking for that spot because GOD has called me. If I have to work and serve I will I don’t care. It’s no different than what I do now. My passion is for the Father. Paul kept making tents. So that he could serve GOD. So if that is what I have to do ok I want to serve you so that you can see Jesus Christ in me. However, no matter what, I am going to give my tithe so my pastor and the ministry team can eat and live and operate in the calling that the Father has placed on them.
Prayer:
Father, it’s all yours. You give it to us to use. Let us use it the way you want us to. Let us have loose hands not only on our money but on everything you give us. We wouldn’t have any of it if it wasn’t for you to begin with. You are our provider. I thank you for the time pastor Chad gets to send in your word. The way he speaks shows that he is not a last-minute kind of guy. You have provided for him… thank you for doing so. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.