New Thinking on the Tithe - Deut 14

I have probably read this before... but I was intreged by the tithe being "eaten" by the giver of the tithe. It was to be set aside, but eaten "so you may learn to revere the Lord your God always." I pictured the tithe as 10% taken from the giver for other... and it was, every three years (v28f). How do I apply this? I'm not going to take my tithe back from the church and eat it myself... It might change the way I counsel people about the tithe.

To those who feel they can't afford to give a full tenth away, I would encourage to still set it aside, and when you have to eat it (or spend it), do so in reverance to the Lord (in a special way honor the Lord as you eat). Give as much of the remainder that you can, to the gathering of believers that they can support the widows, fatherless, aliens, and your pastor (who's lively hood comes from the good news) (v29).

Confession... and Grace

Wow! It's been a while since I've placed a thought here. I must confess - I got out of the discipline of reading every day... It's easy to do and I could name a bunch of excuses... However the best thing I realize is how much I missed being in the Word. For those of you who are reading along through Life journal... do as I do (not intentionally missing days of reading) but start back on today's reading and catch up when you can.

Today's reading was from Deuteronomy 7-9: At first blush I am repulsed that God would ask Israel to destroy completely a people group (7:2) - but then I remember that God is teaching the Israelites what holiness looks like. If they are going to be in a pure relationship with Him, they're going to have to stay way from some things. God reminds them it's not because of their righteousness that they are ask to do this. It's on account of the conquered nation's wickedness that they are commanded to do this (9:4-6). "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving this good land to possess, for you are a stiffnecked people." (v6) What a piece of humble pie.

It reminds me about my own sin. It must be obliterated. And it was upon the cross of Jesus. I still can be stiffnecked, but I am not godless. Praise God for His hold on all those who will trust in His Son's death and resurrection.

Corrected... not Rejected

Leviticus 26 spoke volumes to me: Sure, about the benefits of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. But what hit me was that God bring the consequences to "correct" (vs 23) and if we don't, more punishment continues. However, the Lord promises: Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the Lord their God. (Leviticus 26:44). What a cool promise for the Israelites... If God promises this for the Israelites, how much will He promise for those who claim Jesus' covenant of grace He gives to us. "Endure hardship as discipline" (Hebrews 12:7)... The Lord corrects His people... He does not reject them.

Everything!

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; (Psalm 24:1)

A profound statement... In a era of deed transfers, stock sales, and self-dependance - a very profound statement. Thank you Lord for your daily blessings!

ENCOURAGEMENT for Leviticus Readers

Just a few phrases of encouragement as you read Leviticus:

1. Don't get bogged down in the details.
Choose one or two aspects of the sacrifices and follow it through the book (like a detective would 'follow the money). Some aspects could be the blood, the fat, eatable portions, who can eat it, etc.

2. Marvel at the elaborate system.
This isn't one preist and sacrifice a day... this is "cleansing service" offered to the million plus Israelites that left Egypt. Ask God, "Why would you make it so hard to be cleansed from sin"

3. As a Pastor, living in a parsonage and being supported by offerings, I look in wonder of how the priest receives support for his family through the sacrificial system. Faith in God's provision!

4. Put yourself in the daily life of a priest or community member...
How careful must they be to remain clean... and what must they do if they become unclean... What does this say to you about keeping "clean" everyday before God?

5. Marvel at what Jesus did for you... He is our sacrifice! He is our High Priest!


Leviticus 10:3

"The Lord spoke... Among those who approach me I will show Myself to be holy; in the sight of all people I will be honored."

Guilty! Responsible!

I found a dose of Leviticus 4-6 will cure any thoughts enjoying what Paul and Barnabas encountered in Lystra (Acts 14). People thought they were gods... put right up on a pedistal... But they got down, tore there clothes... we are mere men, then gave glory to God for the healing. The Levitcus passage brings even the most humblist person to their knees... Is there any sin that we are not guilt and responsible for! Lord, please forgive me.

Good Timing?

Who in their right mind would begin a reading through the Bible Project at the end of Exodus and beginning of Leviticus? God certainly has a sense of humor, but onward we go. As we read through Leviticus for the next ten days, QUESTION: Why do you think God would make such a complicated sin cleansing process?

Our Psalm for today (Feb 5) certainly fits the reason why we need cleansing...

Psalm 15
A psalm of David.
1 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the Lord,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.