Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 12—For Every Dispensation
Such [referring to the experience of Abraham and Jacob in paying tithe] was the practice of patriarchs and prophets before the establishment of the Jews as a nation. But when Israel became a distinct people, the Lord gave them definite instruction upon this point: “All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.” This law was not to pass away with the ordinances and sacrificial offerings that typified Christ. As long as God has a people upon the earth, His claims upon them will be the same. {CS 67.1}
A tithe of all our increase is the Lord’s. He has reserved it to Himself, to be employed for religious purposes. It is holy. Nothing less than this has He accepted in any dispensation. A neglect or postponement of this duty, will provoke the divine displeasure. If all professed Christians would faithfully bring their tithes to God, His treasury would be full.—The Review and Herald, May 16, 1882. {CS 67.2}
What we give back to God from our increase, God instructs us to use for religious purposes. God knows the beginning from the end, so as in the days of Abraham, it is still a requirement from God today. God knew that it would be even more necessary today as it was in the days of the patriarchs and prophets. There is much work to be done today, as there are more and more people in danger of losing their salvation. God’s treasury needs continual replenishing so there is no lack in continuing the proclamation of the gospel throughout the world. Return unto God, for it is holy unto the Lord.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We return unto You that which is holy unto You. We pray that You place Your blessing upon it. We pray that You will multiply these means exponentially so that Your treasury will be full. We pray that there is no lack in carrying out Your plan of salvation. With these means, we pray that we can use for the religious purpose of carrying forward Your gospel message to all parts of the world. We pray also that we can minister to Your people right where they are and help those who are in need. Keep us faithful in our giving and the mission at hand. We thank You and praise You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
