Abram's Tithe: And he (Abram) gave him

(Melchizedek) a tithe of all (Genesis 14:20). This morning's verse follows  Melchizedek's blessing of Abram. It was an ancient custom to give  a tithe (a 10th) part of the products of the land and of the spoils of war to priests and kings. Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe of everything.  Tithing was later instituted into the  Jewish Law (Leviticus 27:30–33). It was mandatory,  but Abram's tithe was voluntary.  Many churches teach Christians need to tithe, to give one tenth of their wages. I mean most of us don't grow crops to give a tenth of that! So is it mandatory for the Christian? Well,  we are not under Law, but under grace (Romans 6:14). But there's more to say.

In an age of demanding rights,  we might well declare “I have a right to do what I want with my own money!” Without wanting to twist the scripture I want to ask with Paul “What do you have that you were not given” (1 Corinthians 4:7)?  You owe Him your very life!  To me,  our willingness to give in an age of greed and covetousness, is a primary indicator of our commitment to Christ.  John asks “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him” (1 John 3:17)?  We may not grow crops, but we can certainly contribute to a hungry world. What I am saying is that we should not restrict our giving to church.

So how much should we give? Paul instructs “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously  (2 Corinthians 9:6). So as much as a tithe?  To me it means more than a tithe, but that's me. Paul continues “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” (verse 7).

After an astounding outpouring of gifts towards the building of the first temple David prays "who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You” (1 Chronicles 29:14). The Lord Himself instructs “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse..... test me in this ... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it”.  While many say “I just can't afford it,” it is the testimony of countless Christians down  through the ages,  that when they have given out of their poverty, the  Lord has indeed blessed them  (2 Corinthians 8:2).

Lord Jesus,  Your Word tells us that  You are not unjust to forget our work and labor of love which we show towards Your  name (Hebrews 6:10). If we give as little as a cup of water in Your name we will not loose our reward (Mark 9:41). As to worrying we will not have enough if we give, You  tells us do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ But to seek first the kingdom of God and Your  righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:31,33). We choose to believe You this morning Lord,  and we commit to obey in Your precious Name Amen