2 Chronicles 31 - 5.9.25

Scripture:  2 Chronicles 31:5-6

“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything. The people of Israel and Judah who lived in the towns of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps.”

Observation

King Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.  He stated that their parents were unfaithful and did evil in the site of the Lord. He wanted to make a covenant with the Lord since the Lord’s anger was on the land. In this chapter, the Israelites destroyed all the idols in their land. King Hezekiah opened the doors of the temple and assigned the priests and Levites divisions according to their duties to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. The King contributed out of his own possessions to the burnt offerings. The King ordered the people to give their portion due to the priests and Levites. This was so the Priests and Levites could devote themselves to the Lord. The King did not want priests and Levites to have to worry about feeding their families through working jobs that were not part of the temple. The king was a good shepherd in leading his people back to a right relationship with God

We now start at  the part of the scriptures above. The people were ordered to tithe, and they generously gave. They gave from their firstfruits everything they produced. We see at the end of verse 6, NIV version uses the words ”heaps” and in the KJV version they use “abundantly.”  What was so inspiring is they generously gave.

The King visited the chief priest who told the King they had plenty to spare because the Lord has blessed his people.

Application

One of our DSC core values is “Generosity is our privilege.”  In Corinthians 9:6-8 it says “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Bringing our tithe to the place we worship, while being obedient to God, should be done because we love our God. We should support those who shepherd us and sustain the place we worship. DSC is God’s house. Each time you give your tithe at DSC, you’re giving directly from the love you have in your heart for God.

For our married couples, being in agreement with each other, in prayer, regarding your tithe and offerings is very important. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.  Mary and I have always talked through everything when it comes to giving. We always come to a unified agreement.

To anyone with children, teach them why you tithe and give. They will learn by your example.

Prayer

Jesus, may I give you the best of everything you have blessed me with. There is so much joy in generously giving. Holy Spirit, show me areas in my life I have not given you my best. Jesus may our tithe and offerings be out of love for you. God, bless our DSC family and those who shepherd it. In Jesus name. Amen.

- Robert Oberg