Graceways October 7 Devotional

DEUTERONOMY 14:22-26 | ²² Set apart a tithe of all the yield of your seed that is brought in yearly from the field. ²³ In the presence of the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose as a dwelling for his name, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, your wine, and your oil, as well as the firstlings of your herd and flock, so that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. ²⁴ But if, when the Lord your God has blessed you, the distance is so great that you are unable to transport it, because the place where the Lord your God will choose to set his name is too far away from you, ²⁵ then you may turn it into money. With the money secure in hand, go to the place that the Lord your God will choose; ²⁶ spend the money for whatever you wish: oxen, sheep, wine, strong drink, or whatever you desire. And you shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your household rejoicing together.

A huge part of God’s redemption story is celebration. Notice that the tithe of food is eaten together in a large and joyous community celebration. This is a collective meal and worship experience, a      service and a fellowship time. By giving and celebrating together we demonstrate sharing to rising generations and to the world, exemplifying and encouraging generosity. Tithing or giving is closely connected to partying! What we celebrate is vital to the culture we create in families and communities. In Israel, faithful   giving was part of individual and corporate identity. If you couldn't make the central celebration, we read, you could have a local one!

Is giving worth celebrating?

Gracious God,

Help us to celebrate and encourage generosity. May we be an encouraging example for each other and the world.

Amen.