An Invitation To Test

Malachi 3:7-10

I have been putting off this part of Malachi. I wasn't sure how to approach the subject of tithing.

God told the people that they had been disobedient for a long time (Malachi 3:7), but if they would return to Him, He would then return to them.

They asked "How shall we return?" God answers that question with a question. "Will man rob God?" (Malachi 3:8).

I thought it was a little odd that, after making the charge of a long standing state of disobedience, God would ask a question like that. I've been thinking about that question.

In Genesis 14:18-20, we are introduced to King Melchizedek. He was a King and a priest of God. King Melchizedek gave bread and wine to Abram and then gave him a blessing. Abram gave King Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had.

In Psalm 110:4, King David writes what appears to be a Messianic prophecy and sites Melchizedek. In Hebrews 7, the author expounds on Genesis 14:18 and Psalm 110:4.

Jesus is the King and the Priest. Jesus is bread and wine, broken and poured out for our sins (Luke 22:19-20).

Abram gave a tenth to King Melchizedek, which by the way, happened before the law of the tithe was established (Leviticus 27:30-32). So, we see that tithing pre-dates the law, so we don't have the fact that we are no longer under the law as an excuse for not giving our tithes.

Like everything God does, there is a reason for the tithe. It is a provision for those serving in His house. (Numbers 18:26-32)

Back to the question. "Will man rob God?" I think I can understand the question that was asked in return from the people. God was talking about their disobedience, then suddenly levels this charge of robbery. "How have we robbed You?"

The tithe represents God's provision. They stopped trusting God for His provision.

God puts forth a challenge to test Him (Malachi 3:9-10). God's provision is sure. We must trust Him. Our level of obedience is equal to our level of trust in Him.

We are His beloved children and He loves us more than we can imagine. He wants very much to bless us with more than we will ever need, but He will not reward rebellion and disobedience.

Live in obedience to our Wise Father. Take the challenge. Test God in the area of His provision.

God is AWESOME!