December 31 -- "The Full Tithe"

 ►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"

Today's Reading: Malachi 3 & 4

In the closing chapters of the Old Testament, God uses the prophet Malachi to deliver an urgent call to His people. He urges them to return to Him, promising rich blessings for their faithfulness and warning of judgment for their unfaithfulness. The message is clear: The Lord deeply desires a genuine relationship with His people. He invites them—and us—to honor Him, promising blessings for those who do.

Malachi 3:10 offers a powerful in invitation from God, asking His people to test His faithfulness by bringing the "full tithe" into the storehouse. It underscores the principle of trusting God with our resources, promising that He will "open the windows of heaven" and pour out abundant blessings. This verse highlights God’s challenge to His people to rely on Him fully and witness His provision. It's one of the few places in Scripture where God invites us to test Him, emphasizing His desire to bless those who trust and obey Him.

The Israelites were guilty of offering less than the full one-tenth of their increase ("tithe"), essentially shortchanging God. This disobedience showed a lack of trust in His provision and a failure to honor Him properly. God’s command to bring the whole tithe is a call to faithfulness and an invitation to experience His abundant blessings.

God's invitation to bring the full tithe not only promises abundant blessings but also reveals His desire for our total commitment. The word "full" signifies giving God our whole devotion, holding nothing back. God isn't interested in partial offerings or half-hearted devotion. He calls us to trust Him completely by bringing the entire tithe, showing our reliance on His provision. To live “holy” for God is to live “wholly” for God!

However, be cautious. Some misunderstand this verse as a formula for personal gain, thinking if I give, I will get. While it's true that you can't outgive our gracious and generous God, this verse isn't a map to personal wealth. The blessings He promises from your "full" devotion may not come as money or material wealth. But you can surely expect "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

Reflect on the areas of your life where you can more fully surrender to God. Are there aspects of your time, talents, treasure, or personal ambitions you've been withholding? Don't shortchange the Lord. Embrace the call to give your whole self to God.

May you go beyond financial offerings, and dedicate your time, talents, relationships, vocation, and entire being to His service. And, as you surrender every part of your life, may you experience deeper intimacy with God and the abundant life found only in Him.