Hello there
Grab the coffee and some prayer, today’s Holy Nougat is serious chewing.
“Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.”” Hebrews 7:2 NLT
It might be helpful to understand a bit more about the Abraham-Melchizedek meeting. (For the full tale please see Genesis 14) With 318 men, Abraham defeated a four kingdom army. The same army that the rebel forces of FIVE kingdoms were overthrown by. But, Lot, Abraham’s nephew had been captured by king Kerdorloamer as spoils of war. Upon defeating the mighty army, Abraham also successfully recovered all the valuables – whatever was captured as spoils of war by Kerdorloamer and his powerful 5-kingdom army!
No mention is made of Abraham stopping to pray and receive divine guidance. We only know that he and those trained men, upon hearing from Lot’s servant, went to rescue Lot. But we do know that a mysterious king joined him and pronounced a blessing upon Abraham, who, in turn tithed from the spoils to Melchizedek. We now know that he represented God and acknowledge his role as high priest. Imagine, a tithe to the King of Peace and Justice for safe return of his nephew!? Yessiree! Furthermore, we hear that the tithe was given to Melchizedek BEFORE the spoils were returned to the king of Sodom and Gomorrah. Even then, God was honored first!
For the tithe represents more than duty. It is our expression of love to the One Who delivers us time and time again, even if we fail to ask for help (I suspect that Abraham prayed all through that battle, even though it wasn’t recorded). The tithe is also an expression of Trust – that God WILL fight our battles; and that God SHALL provide. Note that Abraham took nothing for himself after he blessed Melchizedek. He KNEW God had him covered and would give the king of Sodom no ground to suggest that Abraham’s wealth was not derived from God.
So …
What battles has God taken us through lately? What needs are we anticipating that God will meet (sometimes those are battles too!)? Where is our trust, in kingdoms of this world, or in God Almighty? For where our trust is, expect that our hearts AND tithes will follow; seriously.
Love, Trust and Expectation, that’s why we tithe.
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
