We’re picking up where we left off in our series examining Why Christ Had To Die. It’s a series that looks at the people of God as shared in the first five books of the Bible. They–like us–have great needs. God exposes those needs, and at every turn offers His provision. However, they–like us–often don’t accept the good from God’s hands, but instead turn to other sources of provision to meet their needs.
Nevertheless, God’s compassionate care remains. He made promises to His people, and by His Name they will be upheld. Thus, it makes perfect sense that He calls His people to “…surely tithe…”. This tithe isn’t to be given as left overs, but is instead to be from the best of their fields. It is to be from the best of their flocks. The reason? The fruit from their fields and the growth of their flocks is from God. He provided, and they in turn acknowledged His provision by offering their best back to Him.
But that’s not all. The tithes of God’s people went beyond obedient offerings given as an act of gratitude. Yes, their tithe also poured through God’s people and satisfied those who could not satisfy or meet the needs they themselves possessed. Namely, the tithes were also to be used to care for “…the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town.” The purpose? So that they “…shall come and eat and be satisfied.” God’s compassion extended far beyond mere formalities, but went so far as to reach those who could not tend or care for themselves. God is a compassionate God.
But, God’s care through the tithing of God’s people didn’t end there either. God also cared for those who were called into a unique relationship to Him–the Levites. This tribe, Levi, was not to have land in which to settle and grow their own food and raise their own flocks, but were instead called to serve as priests and mediators between God and His people. As such, God was their inheritance, and God would provide for His chosen vessels devoted to His service through the tithes and offerings of God’s people.
Incredible. God’s compassionate care extends beyond God’s people to those who cannot help themselves, as well as those who were devoted solely to God and dependent fully upon God providing for them.
The question is…did the people of God continue to follow God’s best…the path God provided for them in order to care for those around them by offering their tithes? They did not. Consider what the prophet Malachi says of the people of God’s offerings:
“…you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?” says the Lord. “But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord…””
Malachi 13b-14a
The ancient people of God failed to bring what God required, and as a result…they were judged, exiled, and set aside as God’s mediator to the nations. The sad reality? We, like them, fail to bring what God requires. What does God require? A perfect life lived according to His requirements. They couldn’t offer this, and neither could or can we. This is yet another reason Why Christ Had To Die. We simply aren’t compassionate, but need One who is…
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- In our greatest need…in the hour of our most darkest moment…when all hope was lost…when we had no chance of surviving the impending doom… God sent forth His Son!
- Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offered His life for ours. He died in our place to pay the penalty for our sins.
- This, He did, in order that we might be reconciled to God.
- Thus, God’s compassionate care continues. He is still offering His provision to any who sees their need…
Glory to God! Glory to our God! His store of compassion is never ending…it is His free gift of grace offered to any who would take hold of it in faith! Reach out for Him–the God of never ending compassion.
— November 15, 2019