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Afterward the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” —Genesis 15:1
God knew that people would battle two major enemies: pride and selfishness. He dealt with humanity’s pride at Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), and in Genesis 14 He dealt with humanity’s selfishness. Abraham was the first man recorded in the Scriptures to tithe, although Abel did offer the Lord “choice lambs from the best of his flock” (Genesis 4:4). Abraham’s worship of God with ten percent of his revenue showed that he acknowledged his financial responsibility before God and knew that God, in turn, would take care of his needs. By refusing the king of Sodom’s reward (Genesis 14:21-23), Abraham rejected the world’s system. God became his reward (his salary, wages, and compensation), and God, in turn, recompensed Abraham with something that money could not buy: a child! Tithing was a sign of Abraham’s covenant with God. God reciprocated and pledged all His assets to Abraham, even unto the fourth generation (Genesis 15:14-16). Abraham further exemplified an unselfish spirit when he gave Lot the first choice of where to live. The final result was that Abraham profited much more than Lot because he obeyed the principle of unselfish sacrifice for others (Genesis 13). Want to be blessed? Be a tither!
Suggested Reading:
Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33