Around here the farmers grow corn and beans. Except this season I am sure I will see more corn because of the increase use of ethanol. Right now the little plants are just peeking up through the richly brown earth from last night’s rain storms. Driving past them on the way to work, I can see how the weather affects the corn. A farmer could have a very nice or a very small crop. Giving of his firstfruits means banking on your faith and confidence of God. He did promise that you have more value than the birds and see how they do NOT worry for food.
Take a crop like the cherries in June that will be ready to pick. I know that first picking is always the best of the fruit. Later pickings aren’t always so good because of the friendly birds. Would you be willing to give away that first batch in a pie or jam for someone in need over yourself? Ok, you could say that this is O.T and I am getting down to nit picking. Yes, it is up to you to try this out and what to try your faith on. God is into mystery and surprises. You just might be blown away!
Now take a ‘crop’ that is special to you. For me it would be my painting. Am I willing to take all that I make from my first ‘crop’ and give to God? Without knowing if the show will be a bust or a bright season? Am I willing to add this new knowledge of ‘firstfruits’ to my tithe practices?
Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Prov. 3:9 &10
Your money:
tithe - 10% of what you have / O.T. 25%!!!
firstfruits - your first crop
love offering - what moves you
I choose to write about firstfruits because it intrigues me. I am NOT here to tell you how to believe or what to do. I did not say you must tithe and there is nothing here that promotes a church.
ReplyDeleteI went in search of tithe in the New Testament and yes, you can argue (I hate arguing or debating) that it is not for the Christian. Tithe is not listed in the New Testament at all.
In fact the Christian is called to a higher 'giving'. Jesus taught about how the poor widow gave two small copper coins which was all she had. He wanted us to get rid of the baggage that comes with possessions.
The Widow's Offering
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." (Mark 12)
Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
So I am not doing enough 'giving'. My own convictions. My own learnings. My own path. My intentions is to be the best I can with what talents and gifts God has so richly blessed me with. And I want to be a good student of His Word.
I enjoy reading the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. God has promises packed in His Word for us to make our own. If I am moved in any way to pray with Him in a struggle I am having, I know it is of the Holy Spirit and I will tackle it with all my heart no matter if I find it in the Old Testament...
I am not here to sell anything either. Didn't Jesus throw out the money changers for the temple?
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
ReplyDelete2 Corinthians 9:6-8