“Bring all the
tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now
in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the
windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room
enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10 NKJ)
tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now
in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the
windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room
enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10 NKJ)
It is it interesting
how many people will only focus on a piece of Scripture? If a word or phrase
“jumps off the page,” some accept it as a special, personal message
that enhance their understanding of God’s word. And others succumb to hyper-spiritual
renderings that were neither intended nor contextually accurate. Still others
will claim special knowledge of secret, embedded codes.
how many people will only focus on a piece of Scripture? If a word or phrase
“jumps off the page,” some accept it as a special, personal message
that enhance their understanding of God’s word. And others succumb to hyper-spiritual
renderings that were neither intended nor contextually accurate. Still others
will claim special knowledge of secret, embedded codes.
Something Jesus said
to the Sadducees, who argued against the resurrection, is also interesting and
worth considering. “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the
power of God” (Mat 22:29 NKJ; see also Mark 12:27). Is it possible that
much of Christian misinterpretations and lack of clear understanding comes from
our lack of knowing Scripture and the power of God?
to the Sadducees, who argued against the resurrection, is also interesting and
worth considering. “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the
power of God” (Mat 22:29 NKJ; see also Mark 12:27). Is it possible that
much of Christian misinterpretations and lack of clear understanding comes from
our lack of knowing Scripture and the power of God?
Today’s passage
points us to putting God to the test. But doesn’t the Scripture teach that we
are not to test God? “You shall not tempt the Lord your God (Matthew 4:7;
Luke 4:12). And what about James 1:13b? “. . . God cannot be tempted by
evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (NKJ).
points us to putting God to the test. But doesn’t the Scripture teach that we
are not to test God? “You shall not tempt the Lord your God (Matthew 4:7;
Luke 4:12). And what about James 1:13b? “. . . God cannot be tempted by
evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (NKJ).
So, when it comes to
interpreting God’s word, not knowing Scripture is as dangerous as reading too
much into Scripture. When interpreting God’s word, we will either pull out
meaning that is intended or we will insert meaning that isn’t. Knowing
Scripture and God’s power are the safety keys to cracking the code of
Scripture.
interpreting God’s word, not knowing Scripture is as dangerous as reading too
much into Scripture. When interpreting God’s word, we will either pull out
meaning that is intended or we will insert meaning that isn’t. Knowing
Scripture and God’s power are the safety keys to cracking the code of
Scripture.
Prophet Malachi’s
words are often used to properly teach financial stewardship. Too many times,
however, Malachi is merely a manipulative instrument to increase ministry
revenue. Certainly the obvious message is about robbing God by withholding the
tithe. Yet, God’s challenge to test his ability to provide suggests a broader
and deeper meaning than mere money decisions.
words are often used to properly teach financial stewardship. Too many times,
however, Malachi is merely a manipulative instrument to increase ministry
revenue. Certainly the obvious message is about robbing God by withholding the
tithe. Yet, God’s challenge to test his ability to provide suggests a broader
and deeper meaning than mere money decisions.
Should we tithe our
incomes? Absolutely! Tithing is taught everywhere in Scripture, and Jesus
taught it too (Matthew 23:23-24). Yet, let us not strain at the gnat and
swallow a camel. Malachi’s words teach the greater meaning of trusting God. We
test God with our tithe to give him an opportunity to show us that he will
provide all our needs when we are faithful to him. We test God so he can
demonstrate his trustworthiness. We test God in order to learn to trust God.
Scripture teaches faithfulness in stewardship. Testing God teaches us the power
of God.
incomes? Absolutely! Tithing is taught everywhere in Scripture, and Jesus
taught it too (Matthew 23:23-24). Yet, let us not strain at the gnat and
swallow a camel. Malachi’s words teach the greater meaning of trusting God. We
test God with our tithe to give him an opportunity to show us that he will
provide all our needs when we are faithful to him. We test God so he can
demonstrate his trustworthiness. We test God in order to learn to trust God.
Scripture teaches faithfulness in stewardship. Testing God teaches us the power
of God.
Dear Father, thank
you for providing for all our needs from your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Empower us to be faithful and trust in your power. I pray this in the name of
Jesus. AMEN
you for providing for all our needs from your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Empower us to be faithful and trust in your power. I pray this in the name of
Jesus. AMEN
Be faithful today
and trust God,
and trust God,