(Igniting Insights by Rev. Dr. J. N. Manokaran)
What is dedicated unto the Lord, belongs to God. Tithes also belong to God. When someone is unfaithful, s/he robs from God. (Malachi 3:8-10) Grateful people will joyfully give unto the Lord. It is dangerous to test God, as it is self-destructive, inviting God’s wrath. In the New Testament, Lord Jesus taught that a disciple’s righteousness should exceed that of Pharisees. If Pharisees give ten percent, disciples should joyfully give more than ten percent. (Matthew 5:20) “Honour the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9)
Three examples from the bible: Achan sin happened just as they entered the Promised Land, while Ananias and Sapphira sin happened at the beginning of the Church era. Sons of Eli sinned during the period of Judges.
1) Possession of Promised Land: As Joshua led the Nation of Israel to possess the Promised Land, they invaded the city of Jericho. Joshua declared that the city is dedicated to the Lord, which will result in destruction of the city. Nothing should be taken as spoil from the city. (Joshua 6:17) Achan coveted and took a cloak of Shinar, 200 shekels of silver and 50 shekels of gold. (Joshua 7:21) Achan in fact, robbed from God, ultimately, he was stoned to death.
2) Church Era: Ananias and Sapphira sold their property and dedicated the proceeds to the Lord. “But no devoted thing that a man devotes to the LORD, of anything that he has, whether man or beast, or of his inherited field, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted thing is most holy to the LORD. (Leviticus 27:28) However, later they kept a part of it and thus were robbed from God. (Acts 5:1-11)
3) Eli’s sons: The priests and Levites had the privilege of receiving portions of sacrificed animals. However, Eli’s sons were restless, before rituals could complete, forcefully snatched pieces of meat from the altar. Indeed, they robbed that belonging to God. Lord condemned Eli for honouring his sons more than God. (I Samuel 2:16,17,29)
Do I honour God by my giving?
jnmanokaran 