How does Deuteronomy 26:14 guide us in handling resources dedicated to God? Setting and context • Deuteronomy 26 records the worshiper’s confession after bringing the tithe of the third year. • Verse 14 is part of that confession: “I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while in mourning, nor removed any of it while unclean, nor offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything You commanded me.” Key truths in the verse • Sacred portion – The produce set apart belongs wholly to the LORD; it is no longer at the giver’s personal disposal. • Not eaten in mourning – God-devoted resources are not to be absorbed into private crisis management or self-pity. • Not removed while unclean – Offerings must be handled in moral and ceremonial purity. • Not offered to the dead – No syncretism; God’s portion is never redirected to other spiritual claims. • I have obeyed – True stewardship is measured by obedience, not amount. • Everything You commanded – Completeness matters; partial obedience nullifies the offering (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22-23). Principles for our stewardship today • God’s portion is untouchable. – Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Give with joy, not out of grief. – 2 Corinthians 9:7: “God loves a cheerful giver.” • Maintain purity in finances—no dishonest gain, no hidden motives. – Acts 5:1-4 warns against pretending while withholding. • Guard against redirecting what is holy to secular or superstitious ends. • Obedience outweighs sentiment: God defines the use of His resources, not circumstances or feelings. • Accountability is explicit; the worshiper declares before the Lord and community that the stewardship was faithful. Practical takeaways • Separate firstfruits immediately; don’t wait to see what’s left. • Audit your giving: is any of God’s portion absorbed by personal emergencies or hobbies? • Keep clean hands: avoid income streams that compromise integrity, then tithe from them. • Refuse to mix dedicated funds with charitable causes or memorial gifts that do not exalt Christ. • Regularly recite your own “I have obeyed” statement—review, repent, realign. Encouraging promises attached • When Israel honored these commands, God promised: “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” (Malachi 3:10) • Faithful stewardship invites the Lord’s affirmation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) |
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