The Priest
Thou shalt take the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put in a basket . . . and the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD thy God.
- Deuteronomy 26:2,4
People who believe they are putting "their" money in the offering want to maintain control over it. We cannot control something we do not possess in the first place. All we have belongs to Christ. We have received everything from Him, and we are simply stewards of what belongs to Him. Be generous with what the Master has given you.
When Abraham returned from battle, he met Melchizedek, king and priest of Salem. Abraham had never seen this man before, but when they met, Abraham said to him without hesitation, "Here is my tithe" (Hebrews 7:2). Abraham had no idea how this priest was going to use his funds. His only responsibility was to obey the commandment of God to bring the firstfruits to the priest.
The Word says to "set your offering down" before the Lord. It doesn't say to set it down and still try to hold on to it. Let it go into the kingdom of God.
When we obey the windows of heaven are opened wide to release God's abundant blessing!
Jesus, teach me how to be a cheerful giver. Help me release what does not belong to me so that the kingdom of God can be advanced according to Your will. Amen.
Further Reading
- Deuteronomy 26:2,4
- Hebrews 7:2
- Matthew 6:33
