Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:10-12
I return to my study of the
last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi. My study leans on
the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning my focus is an unassisted review of Malachi 3:10-12. In these two verses, God makes a promise to Israel that He will bless the nation beyond the point where it will no longer have any needs that are not met - see v10 "until there is no more need." A need is defined as "a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful...a condition requiring relief, [or as the] lack of the means of subsistence." This promise is of course conditional on the people giving to God their tithe (see text that mentions tithe in the ESV Bible translation, including Leviticus 27:32 which specifically refers to 10%). Another promise God makes is that Israel will be a land of delight. For believers today who are under grace vs under the law, there is no longer a requirement for a tithe as believers give what is referred to instead as an offering - see this helpful resource. We should give freely at least a tithe (10%) as an expression of our love for Christ who gave His life for us. Believers should also understand that God is the source and provides for all of our needs and whatever we have it belongs to God - this includes our own body. Everything we have - our lives and our belongings should be used in the service of the Lord, to fulfill His mission, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). We should trust in how God provides.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who provides for all of my needs and never leaves or forsakes me - thank You! I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You provide. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
