Tithe and Community

Synopsis     Deuteronomy 14:19-29         2/19/2108

Moses restated the prohibition against eating insects or the flesh from the carcass of an animal found dead. Although, the Israelites were allowed to sell such a carcass to a foreigner. The basis for this prohibition is the fact that God held Israel to a higher standard than the nations around them. Additionally God prohibited the cooking of a goat in its own mothers milk.

Moses also described the rules for tithing. Tithe 10 percent of the gain. Tithe at the tabernacle. Tithe from the produce of the field and the firstborn of animals. Every third year, the tithe would remain in the local town to support the Levites, widows and orphans.

Tithe and Community

The tithe could be exchanged. It wasn’t the stuff of the tithe per se, it was the commitment to the community. It was about recognizing the value of ministry service. It was about taking care of those who were less financially secure.

Interdependence

Perhaps the strongest essential mark of the Authentic Community is interdependence. Authentic Community is built on each member supporting one another in the supplying of every good thing.

Everyone has something to offer. Everyone has some ministry.

Give.

“nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you.” 2 Thess 3:8