This week we continue our sermon series on worship by continuing our examination of the tithe. Last week we looked at the tithe in Deuteronomy 14. There we saw that there were two tithes. The first was a celebration of the Lord's blessing. The second, and harder, was the one that was given away to the needy. We are going to look at that more difficult tithe.
As we begin I want to point out to you something that I have learned about people in my visitation. People will share with me all kinds of details about their lives. I have listened to tales of canker sores in people's mouths and more than anyone really wants to know about pus and infections. People have proudly displayed the staples in their chests following heart surgery. I know all about broken relationship and troubles with children. However, I can count on one finger the number of times people have opened up about their finances, whether they have need or plenty. In fact, many people are very secretive about their finances. We have a strange relationship to our money.
In order to have a proper tithing ministry, it requires a congregation - members of the Body of Christ, to do something that is very difficult. It requires a vulnerability and openness that is scary. For the needy the frightening part is being open enough to share their need and risk being rejected and left in needy. For the one who has the danger comes in asking, "What do you need?" and coming under obligation to help.In order to have a proper tithing ministry requires a congregation - members of the Body of Christ, to do something that is very difficult. It requires a vulnerability and openness that is scary. For the needy the frightening part is being open enough to share their need and risk being rejected and left in needy. For the one who has the danger comes in asking, "What do you need?" and coming under obligation to help.
In a healthy church though both are humble enough to open up to each other. However, once this begins to happen, the church begins to be transformed. Needs are met. Thanksgiving is multiplied, and there is "an overflowing of thanksgiving to God."In a healthy church though both are humble enough to open up to each other. However, once this begins to happen, the church begins to be transformed. Needs are met. Thanksgiving is multiplied, and there is "an overflowing of thanksgiving to God."
Imagine the transformation in a congregation like ours as we build the community and unity within the Body of Christ, as we submit ourselves to the Gospel of Christ. Imagine the transformation in a congregation like ours as we build the community and unity within the Body of Christ, as we submit ourselves to the Gospel of Christ.
