S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

Leviticus 7:37

These, then, are the regulations for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the fellowship offering.

O-bservation:

These offerings mentioned were all commanded by God for His people, Israel, while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law. Each of these laws had their purpose and they were required for this religious nation. In the end, by the willingness of God’s people to comply, they in turn received the lessons of self-surrender, loyalty, atonement, satisfaction, dedication, and peace. Not a bad return for keeping the laws of heaven. But have you ever considered that these burnt offerings could have been referred to as “Heaven’s Taxes?”

A-pplication:

I can tell you that these were only the beginning of Israel’s taxation. But these in particular were one way the tribe of Levi was able to live. The entire tribe, which numbered in the thousands, were the office of ministers and ministries of Israel. They lived solely on the contributions of the people, which indeed were regulated. In time there were 10% annual temple taxes and first fruits offerings so that the Old Testament Israelites, by law, gave and gave and gave. Today, we as ministers are criticized by many for teaching the Old Testament 10% tithe. Yet in the New Testament we’re told that the Early Church would pool everything and then split it up equally to meet the needs of the people. There is a privilege that people of all faiths have of living in any country. Yet here in our nation, I’m happy to call my offerings to the Lord “Heaven’s Taxes” for all He’s done for me.

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

I will never complain or criticize the idea of giving to the Lord. Your laws of sowing and reaping have placed my family and me in a great place. Your promises are yes and amen to all who will obey! Amen