How can Joshua 6:19 inspire us to prioritize God's kingdom in our finances? Setting the Scene at Jericho “ ‘But all the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.’ ” (Joshua 6:19) What This Teaches About Money’s True Owner - The command comes before Israel even touches the treasure—God claims it first. - “Holy to the LORD” means set apart exclusively for Him, not for personal use. - The people’s victory and the treasure are both gifts; acknowledging that keeps pride at bay (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). Kingdom-First Finances: Principles Drawn from the Verse - God receives the first and best, not the leftovers. - Obedience with money is tied to experiencing God’s continued favor (compare Joshua 7). - Setting funds aside for “His treasury” recognizes a larger, ongoing mission beyond individual needs. Practical Ways to Live This Out 1. Begin each budgeting cycle by designating a “Jericho portion” for Kingdom work—before you pay any other bill. 2. Treat tithes and offerings as non-negotiable, just as Israel could not keep the metals (Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9-10). 3. Channel special windfalls—bonuses, tax returns, unexpected gifts—into ministries, missionaries, and church projects, mirroring Jericho’s one-time spoils. 4. Keep a visible line in your budget labeled “Holy to the LORD” to remind the family whose money it is. 5. Guard against “Achan moments” (Joshua 7) by practicing accountability: share giving goals with a trusted believer or your small group. Encouragement from the Broader Canon - Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - Haggai 1:5-11—Neglecting God’s house dries up resources; honoring it unlocks provision. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8—Generous sowing produces abundant harvest, enabling even more generosity. - Acts 4:32-35—Early believers pooled resources, and “there was no needy person among them.” A Final Thought Jericho’s silver and gold remind us that every paycheck, possession, and investment statement already bears God’s name. Prioritizing His treasury first is not loss—it’s participation in victories far greater than walls tumbling down. |
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