Tithing Is It For Today…Part I?
~by Larry Walters
When we look at the many arguments for and against tithing I
must ask, “Why?” Why do we debate over such trivial matters? When will we
realize that the earth is Yahweh’s and all that it contains?
So I am sure by now those who are “pro-tithe” have already
“checked out” and those who are “anti-tithe” have hung around looking for an
excuse for their apparent lack of giving. Either way, if you are still reading
you might be surprised!
How many times have we been taught that Abraham paid
“TITHES” to Melchizedek? And we have been taught that this is “tithing before
Torah” and tithing remains in effect today, right? What does Hebrews 7 teach
us?
If Abraham gave a real Tithe unto Melchizedek, then he would
have to have returned to his home, gathered up all of his livestock and
material possessions and then distributed the Tithes. However, we are told in
Hebrews 7:4 that Abraham gave “THE TENTH OF THE SPOILS.” This is better defined
as a First Fruit Offering.
He gave this “tithe” once, and we have no other record of
Abraham tithing again even as he amassed a great wealth. He gave of the spoils
instead of from his substance so he gave an offering of thanksgiving for the
victory Abba had granted. Yet, we are told that even Levi paid his tithes IN
ABRAHAM Heb 7:9-10.
Again, Abraham did not “tithe-away” Levi’s inheritance, or
that even of his son Isaac. He tithed the spoils of war. Have you been granted
a great victory and amassed a great financial windfall? Then I believe if you
claim Abraham as your father you should follow his example and sow at least the
tenth into good soil for Yahweh’s glory. Perhaps that will be in your local
congregation, perhaps it will be with the priestly person Yahweh places in your
path at the time of your victory…that is between you and the Father.
Tithing was a way for the tribe of Levi to survive IN THE
LAND without any inheritance IN THE LAND. Notice again the Torah was written as
a code of conduct for the nation of Israel to operate from specifically
while IN THE LAND. Today, there is no longer a Levitical Priesthood.
It has since ceased to exist with the new priesthood found
in Messiah Yahshua, from the tribe of Yehudah (Judah) after the order of
Melchizedek, Prince of Salem. We do not have time to entertain was this
priestly king a pre-incarnation of Messiah Yahshua? Simple we know that He is
the High priest NOW AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. And since all Levites were
to pay their tithes TO the Kohanim or High Priest, where do the “Levites” pay
their tithes today?
Again, if you are a “dyed in the wool tither” I pray that
this will cause you to question why you believe what you believe. And this will
also cause many a pastor and leader to search out what they have been teaching
all along. Isn't it time that we begin to teach the Word of Yahweh instead of
the doctrines of man?
OK. Now lets move past Abraham for a moment and even past
Isaac, for there is NO RECORD OF ISAAC GIVING A TITHE. So we move on to Jacob.
In Genesis 28:20-22 we read the record of his vow, offering of 1/10th
to be given unto whom? Yahweh…IF HE COMES “AGAIN TO HIS FATHER’S HOUSE IN
PEACE, THEN SHALL YAHWEH BE MY ELOHIM (GOD)…” It is unto Yahweh that Jacob made
this vow. Then we might add, how is he to pay it and how is Yahweh to receive
it?
And it is not until Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy that
we read about the controversial topic again. (For a complete list you can do
your HOMEWORK, look it up and decide for yourself.) In Leviticus 27:30-32 the
specifications of the tithe are given. In Numbers 18:20-32, it is then
dedicated to the support of the Levites and High Priest.
Moshe (Moses) reiterates what to do with the tithe in
Deuteronomy 12:5-11; 14:22-29. Here it can be exchanged for monies if the
journey is too far from the place designated to receive them. And Israel is then
instructed how to sanctify the tithe BEFORE THEY CAN ASK FOR A BLESSING And
this blessing is not a personal blessing; they are to ask for a national
blessing as a result of their obedience to keep the tithe. (DT 26:12-15)
Again as you read (You are reading the references, right?)
what is the common theme for the giving of the tithe? In the wilderness every
man did what was RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES. But, when they came into the land, there
is the establishment of THE PLACE where Yahweh designates to PAY your tithes
and offerings. (DT 12:5-11)
Following the correct order of the books of the Tenakh Amos
mentions the tithe in 4:4. Then Nehemiah 10:37-38, 12:44, and 13:5-12 we have
the account of the tithes being brought into the storehouses (yes, there were
actual storehouses then). There are officers appointed to watch over the
storehouses. And then Nehemiah had to evict Tobiah out of a storehouse and
restores order.
In Malachi we read the famous verses that are taught from
the pulpits world-wide 3:8-10. This instruction is to Israel
established back in the land. And at a time when they were negligent of the
tithe established in Torah. Their choice again to obey or disobey would result
in the blessing or the curse.
The Tenakh closes out with 2 Chronicles 31:5-12 and the
testimony that the children of Israel
are keeping Torah underneath King Hezekiah and the tithes and offerings are
being received in the designated places of worship.
In the Brit Chadashah, Matthew and Luke we have Messiah
living as a Jew in Judah ,
a kosher eating, Torah Keeper. Here He rebukes the Pharisees for not keeping
the weightier matters of Torah such as Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness even as
they SHOULD and that they should tithe. They were IN THE LAND, and they were
SUBJECT TO TORAH AND ITS REGULATIONS IN THE LAND.
Now let us move past the Letter or the Law which kills and
look at the Spirit of the Law which gives life. In the Brit Chadashah we see a
new attitude concerning finances. Everything was done for the furtherance of
the Gospel. People sold their houses and lands to provide for one another as
the Gospel was to be preached unto all ethnic, people, groups. (Acts 2:42-47)
But surely that is NOT FOR TODAY! (Or is it?)
We have the Macedonians who took giving to the next level of
Halakah (daily walk)… They 1st gave themselves 100% completely to
Yahweh and then to the men of Yahweh as the servants of Yahweh. Next they
begged for the opportunity to give for the furtherance of the Gospel. Not only once
did they give to meet the needs of the men of Yah. They gave over and again OUT
OF THEIR NECESSITY. (2 Cor Chapters 8 &9)
Today we hear pretty little sermons about “My God shall
supply all your need according to His riches in glory.” (Phil 4:19) And I am
sure that they are all “well-meaning” but we have failed to communicate the
truth of the text…It was the selfless giving of the Philippians who gave over
and again OF THEIR VERY NEEDS in order to minister unto the men of Yah. One,
Epaphroditus, who delivered their gifts almost met with death in the process!
The Thessalonians are called, “Examples to all that believe
in Macedonia
and Achaia” as they received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy
Ghost” These are also those whom Paul writes in 2 Cor 8 and 9. The Berean’s are
found here…And it is in their example that Paul admonishes the people of Corinth that they TOO
NEED TO EXCEL IN THIS GRACE CALLED JOYFUL GIVING. This is why he wrote about
let every man put in store (1 Cor 16:2) as Elohim (God) has prospered them. And
it was so that they finished what was started that we read about the
Macedonians in 2 Cor 8 and 9.
So what about today? Seriously? Are we so far removed from
the Grace of the Almighty that we truly believe that He has prospered us so we
can live the good life here and now? Did He bless us so that we could read
about the 2 BILLION SOULS WHICH HAVE NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL and DO LITTLE AS
POSSIBLE TO BE APART OF THE SOLUTION?
Our dreams have become so polluted with the things of this
world that we no longer dream of whole villages being gloriously saved by the
preaching of the Gospel and the disciples who will reach the neighboring
villages. Instead we “dream” and go on “dream-building” events looking at new
cars, touring houses and seeking the “next big thing” that will help us to
strike it rich.
There are even those today who if pressed would have to
confess that the reason why they tithe is so they can inherit the increase.
Sowing into the Kingdom
of Heaven
However, it is time that we again step into the plate and
give ourselves and everything we have for the end time harvest is here. It is
time again that we place into proper perspective what we are here “for” and
what are we “doing” about it. It is time that we demonstrate the Great Commands
and begin to fulfill our role in the Great Commission.
What we do for Messiah is the only thing that will
last…where are you investing?
In Simple Obedience and Love,
Evangelists Larry and Ana Walters
Apostle to the Peoples of India
Acts 26:16-18
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