Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 14:22-29.
The LORD instructs His people to bring a tithe of their produce in order to provide for the priests and Levites and to care for the poor within their towns. Giving a tenth of the produce of the land was not intended as an onerous obligation; rather, it was an opportunity for joyous thanksgiving and worship to the LORD. The LORD had given all things to His people in abundance; therefore, they responded by freely giving to others from His gifts. Although the tithe is not commanded in the New Testament, still Christians give freely and joyfully from the abundance that God has granted to them. Because He has given all things to us in Christ, we give joyfully in thanksgiving to Him and for service to our neighbor.
“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.
