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There is not a greater pursuit to which I could encourage a believer than that of reading through the Bible. This is why we have listed several Bible reading plans on our website (www.moundvillebaptistchurch.org/mbc-ministries/bible-reading-plans) that can be a help toward this undertaking. Inevitably, when one takes on this seemingly overwhelming endeavor, the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (among others!) slow down our progress to the point of resignation. Many a well-intending believer’s attempts are marked by a tombstone somewhere in these books—“HERE LIES JOE. LOST IN LEVITICUS, NUMBED BY NUMBERS, AND DISORIENTED BY DEUTERONOMY.” If you ever find yourself in this place while reading through an especially difficult passage or book of Scripture, plow ahead! However, the more we prayerfully read Scripture and become familiar with its message, even the most difficult passages begin to enlighten us.
Certainly, the distance in time and culture poses great difficulty in our attempts to understand certain parts of the Bible, particularly in the giving of the Law through Moses. Often times these instructions seem trivial and rather irrelevant to our modern lives. Additionally, many of these commands seem burdensome, especially in light of the grace and freedom offered through Jesus Christ. There is perhaps no point greater than this than that of the matter of tithing. While this practice is promoted throughout the Old Testament, it is barely mentioned within the New Testament. Of course, such a fact substantiates our reluctance to give to the local church. We already have so many financial burdens, why would God require one more?!
However, one particular passage in Deuteronomy, understood in context with the whole of Scripture, provides insight into not only God’s requirement for generosity from His people, but the manner in which it loosens the bonds of greed, setting us free to enjoy God’s pleasure. Deuteronomy 26 offers guidelines for the manner in which God’s people were to give of their resources as an act of worship. While their circumstances were unique in certain aspects, principles are also provided which we find repeated throughout all of the Bible. As an act of worship to God, we are to give obediently, sacrificially, and generously for the cause of the gospel. As outlined in this passage, our giving proclaims the following truths.
God owns it all. (Deuteronomy 26:1)—Everything the people had was because of God’s goodness to them. Not much has changed. When we give to God, we are proclaiming that it all belongs to Him and comes from Him.
God is generous. (Deuteronomy 26:1)—Again, everything we have comes because of God’s mercies. A God of such rich generosity invites us to the same. Giving as a part of our worship provides a practical means for this act.
God is worthy. (Deuteronomy 26:2)—They were commanded to bring “the first of the fruit” because God deserves our best and most. When we offer the first of our finances to God, we are declaring His great worth.
God saves. (Deuteronomy 26:7-9)—Giving to God not only expresses our gratitude for His salvation through Christ, but it promotes the furtherance of the gospel to those who have yet to believe.
God provides. (Deuteronomy 26:13)—God supplies us for not only the meeting of our needs, but so that He might use those resources to supply others needs. We have the privilege of participating in His great work!
God reigns. (Deuteronomy 26:16-19)—Our giving is a tangible act of complete submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. There is no part of our lives, even our finances, over which He does not rule!
Unfortunately, most are unaware of the story of Eric Liddel. A decorated Olympian, and even more, a martyred missionary for the cause of Jesus Christ, his story was popularized years ago in the Academy Award winning film Chariots of Fire. Though a man of strong personal convictions (he refused to run a particular race in the Olympics because it was on the Lord’s Day), he was also well acquainted with joy. There is one part in the movie particularly explicit in explaining this fact. When asked by his sister if he will forgo missions in China in favor of Olympic competition, Liddel responds, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
While there is no documentation that Liddel ever actually said these words (they were put into the script of the movie), his heart for the lost in China and for serving them joyfully even in the midst of great suffering prove that He knew God’s pleasure. When he used his talents for God, when he followed his convictions in spite of ridicule, and when he gave his own life for the cause of Christ, he felt God’s pleasure!
Likewise, when you and I give obediently, sacrificially, and generously to the Lord through His church, we will experience the pleasure of God. This was the very promise of Jesus in Acts 20:35 when He stated, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
So, if you find yourself in Leviticus, Numbers, or Deuteronomy, keep plowing ahead. And if any number of excuses would tempt you not to give as God commands, plow ahead. Through obedience, we will know His pleasure.
Jason