Trust

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10 NKJ)

It is it interesting how many people will only focus on a piece of Scripture? If a word or phrase "jumps off the page," some accept it as a special, personal message that enhance their understanding of God's word. And others succumb to hyper-spiritual renderings that were neither intended nor contextually accurate. Still others will claim special knowledge of secret, embedded codes.

Something Jesus said to the Sadducees, who argued against the resurrection, is also interesting and worth considering. "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God" (Mat 22:29 NKJ; see also Mark 12:27). Is it possible that much of Christian misinterpretations and lack of clear understanding comes from our lack of knowing Scripture and the power of God?

Today's passage points us to putting God to the test. But doesn't the Scripture teach that we are not to test God? "You shall not tempt the Lord your God (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12). And what about James 1:13b? ". . . God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone" (NKJ).

So, when it comes to interpreting God's word, not knowing Scripture is as dangerous as reading too much into Scripture. When interpreting God's word, we will either pull out meaning that is intended or we will insert meaning that isn't. Knowing Scripture and God's power are the safety keys to cracking the code of Scripture.

Prophet Malachi's words are often used to properly teach financial stewardship. Too many times, however, Malachi is merely a manipulative instrument to increase ministry revenue. Certainly the obvious message is about robbing God by withholding the tithe. Yet, God's challenge to test his ability to provide suggests a broader and deeper meaning than mere money decisions.

Should we tithe our incomes? Absolutely! Tithing is taught everywhere in Scripture, and Jesus taught it too (Matthew 23:23-24). Yet, let us not strain at the gnat and swallow a camel. Malachi's words teach the greater meaning of trusting God. We test God with our tithe to give him an opportunity to show us that he will provide all our needs when we are faithful to him. We test God so he can demonstrate his trustworthiness. We test God in order to learn to trust God. Scripture teaches faithfulness in stewardship. Testing God teaches us the power of God.

Dear Father, thank you for providing for all our needs from your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Empower us to be faithful and trust in your power. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be faithful today and trust God,