Today's Reading: Numbers 18
The
"tithe of the tithe" mentioned in Numbers 18:26 ESV is a portion of
the tithe that the Levites were required to present to the Lord. The Levites were
the recipients of the Lord’s tithe (or a tenth) of the produce and livestock
that the people of Israel brought to the Tabernacle as an offering to God. This
tithe was their inheritance and was intended to provide for their needs as they
served in the Tabernacle.
However, the
Levites were not exempt from giving back to God. They were required to present
a tithe of the tithe (a second tithe) of what they received from the Israelites
as a contribution to the Lord. This second tithe (tenth) was given to the high
priest and used for the service of the Tabernacle.
The
"tithe of the tithe" was an important reminder to the Levites that
everything they received ultimately came from God and belonged to Him. It was a
way of acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty over their lives and their
ministry. It is also a reminder to Christian pastors, missionaries, church
workers and ministry workers that they are not exempt from giving back to God a
portion of that which He has blessed them with.
As a
Christ-follower, the principle of the "tithe of the tithe" reminds us
that everything we have ultimately comes from God and belongs to Him. We are
called to be good stewards of what God has given us, including our finances,
and to give back to Him a portion of what we receive. The principle of the
"tithe of the tithe" also emphasizes the importance of supporting
those who are dedicated to serving God and advancing His kingdom, whether that
be our local church or other ministries.
No comments:
Post a Comment