The 9th day of a 30 day devotional Bible Study by the Rev. Tracy A. Siegman, Senior Pastor FCC, Covington, KY. Shared with her gracious permission.
If you read the suggested passage each day, by the end of 30 days you will have read the entire New Testament.
Day 9
30-day reading plan: Luke 12 – 18
Daily Verse: Luke 18: 12
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.
30-day reading plan: Luke 12 – 18
Daily Verse: Luke 18: 12
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.
The Pharisee was proud to say that he tithed and fasted. The Pharisees counted themselves righteous for
keeping the Law, yet they missed the intent of the Law which is justice. The Law is about justice for the
poor, widowed, and orphans. The intent of tithing is to be generous with God that the poor, widows, and
orphans may be cared for. More than the other Gospels, Luke makes a great effort to focus Jesus' teaching
and healing on those disadvantaged in society.
In Chapter 20, Luke presents Jesus' teaching about the Pharisees who devour widows' houses. Then, Luke follows that with the story of the widow's offering. Jesus acknowledged that some have much to give while others have less to give. We often think about how much the widow was willing to give God and thus trust that she will be provided for. The story of the widow's offering is not about her trust, generosity, or commitment to tithing. It sheds light on the injustices of society that the required Temple tax cost her everything she had to live on. The tithes of the righteous were meant to care for the poor, widows and orphans who have nothing to give, not take everything they have.
The tithes given to the church should come from a heart of generosity and commitment to God with a concern for justice. Church budgets and ministries should reflect a desire for justice so that we spend our money on caring for the disadvantaged and we give our time to advocating for an end to the injustices that hold them captive. Therefore, don't give out of righteousness; give out of your humble generosity and hunger for justice.
In Chapter 20, Luke presents Jesus' teaching about the Pharisees who devour widows' houses. Then, Luke follows that with the story of the widow's offering. Jesus acknowledged that some have much to give while others have less to give. We often think about how much the widow was willing to give God and thus trust that she will be provided for. The story of the widow's offering is not about her trust, generosity, or commitment to tithing. It sheds light on the injustices of society that the required Temple tax cost her everything she had to live on. The tithes of the righteous were meant to care for the poor, widows and orphans who have nothing to give, not take everything they have.
The tithes given to the church should come from a heart of generosity and commitment to God with a concern for justice. Church budgets and ministries should reflect a desire for justice so that we spend our money on caring for the disadvantaged and we give our time to advocating for an end to the injustices that hold them captive. Therefore, don't give out of righteousness; give out of your humble generosity and hunger for justice.
Questions for reflection:
Do you give a tithe (10%) or an offering (less than 10%) to the church? Does the church budget reflect a commitment to justice?
How are you generous in addition to your tithe or offering?
Do you give a tithe (10%) or an offering (less than 10%) to the church? Does the church budget reflect a commitment to justice?
How are you generous in addition to your tithe or offering?
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