Highlights:
Clean and unclean food; the Law of the tithe; dedication of the firstborn; three Feasts to be observed; Passover celebrated, foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work on the cross as the ultimate Sacrifical Lamb; judges and justice.
Verses for Today:
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed . . . year by year. . . . that thou mayest learn to fear (revere) the Lord thy God always. . . . If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren . . . thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need. . . . Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart . . . and thou givest him nought (Deut. 14:22-23; 15:7-9).
The prosperity of Israel in the promised land did not depend on advanced agricultural techniques but on its obedience to the Word of God (11:10-15).
Tithing reminded the Israelites that they, as well as the land, belonged to the Lord. Before all other considerations, tithes to the Lord were to be given first. Furthermore, no Israelite could come before the Lord without an offering commensurate with his income.
The Israelites were to "rejoice" with a heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of honoring God with their tithes and offerings that the Lord thy God may bless thee (14:29).
Giving to the poor was recognition that all our possessions actually belong to the Lord. We are merely stewards of the love of God, distributing to the less fortunate.
When we give to someone who needs our help, we are loaning to the Lord. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again (Prov. 19:17). Giving a cup of cold water in His Name is the same as giving to the Lord. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (I John 3:17).
Over 630 years before the Law was given to Moses, Abraham — father of the faithful (Rom. 4:11) — paid a tenth (tithe) to Melchizedek . . . priest of the Most High God as an acceptable offering to the Lord (Gen. 14:18-20). Both tithing (Luke 18:12) and the giving of offerings (21:4; Acts 24:17) were still being practiced by Israel during New Testament times. Today, the Lord's ministries, missionaries, churches, and Bible schools are being sustained through the tithes and offerings of His people. Jesus said: Render (Give) therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's (Matt. 22:21).
Thought for Today:
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall (Prov. 10:8).
Christ Revealed:
Through the year of release, which typifies Christ's forgiveness of our sins (Deut. 15:1). This should cause us to realize how important it is to forgive others, even as He has forgiven us (Matt. 6:14-15). Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).
Word Studies:
14:1 cut =disfigure; make any baldness =shave; 14:2 holy . . . peculiar people =treasured possession, dedicated; 14:7 cloven =split; 14:8 swine =pig; 14:23 fear =give reverential, heartfelt submission to and respect for; 14:25 turn =exchange; 14:26 Whatever thy soul lusteth after =whatever you desire; 15:1 release =forgiveness of debts; 15:4 Save =except; 15:5 hearken =listen and obey; 15:9 be evil =be selfish, inconsiderate, hateful, hostile, hold grudge; 15:10 not to be grieved =have no regrets; 15:11 open thing hand wide =give freely; 15:14 floor =threshing floor; 15:15 bondman =slave; 16:3 leavened bread =bread that contains yeast; affliction =humiliation, distress; 16:13 corn =grain; 16:19 gift =bribe; 16:20 that which is altogether just =that is right.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: George Kopchak • Government Official: Sen. Christopher Bond (MO) • Country: Belarus (10 million) in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Belarussian and Russian • Religious freedom • 48% Orthodox; 22% Roman Catholic; 1.1% Jewish; 1% Protestant; .2% Muslim; 27.7% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask in the name of Jesus for His glory, and your request will be granted (John 14:13-14).
Optional Reading: Luke 21
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17