Deuteronomy 14:22-23 - “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.”

This passage says that we are to tithe all of our possessions (10 % of our earnings), and the reason is so that we may learn to fear the Lord. To fear the Lord is to come to a place where we know that all of our lives, including our possessions belong to Him, for God is the one who provides for us, and every blessing comes from Him!

This has always been the instruction/warning of the Lord to the Israelites. While they were in the desert after their captivity in Egypt, the people of God were humbled-for every ounce of food and water that they needed and received came by God’s provision. No one could claim it as their own work or accomplishment. This is humility-to know the fear of the Lord, that every provision and blessing comes from the Lord.

However, as they were about to enter the promised land, the Lord warned them-when they are living in abundance, that they are not to think that it was by their hand or works, but by God’s grace and mercy that they are living in abundance. The Lord said: “You may say to yourself, ’My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

This is what the time of offering does for us-it gives us the moment in worship where we humble ourselves and become cognizant that all that we have, has been given as a blessing by the Lord. And when we are tempted to forget and make claim to our lives (finances, time, etc.) as our own, the time of offering is to bring each person back to God’s truth and reality.

Do you at times forget where or who it is that blesses you? The time of offering is for us to once again acknowledge God, learn the fear of the Lord. Or perhaps your struggle is the fear of lack in your life. The time of offering is also a time where you come before the Lord and acknowledge God’s promise and care over your life. Therefore, offering is not only a time where we celebrate the provisions that we’ve received, but it is also a time to declare the provisions that He will provide-for we are His Holy People, His treasured possession.

Today, spend time in prayer as you read through Deuteronomy 8, and respond humbly before the Lord.

-GK