November 27 | Genesis 14:19-20
“And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis 14:19–20, ESV)
I’ve met some people in my ministry that have given me a Pentecostal handshake. I never knew what this was until the first time it happened to me. A brother shook my hand after a service I preached in and when I pulled away there was money in my hand.
I thought he made a mistake and tried to give the money back. He educated me in the school of Pentecostal handshakes. “You blessed me this morning with your message and so I bless you.”
After a great battle Abraham and his allies came away with victory and blessed one another. Melchizedek King of Salem blessed Abraham. Abraham blessed his ally. Then Abraham blessed Melchizedek by giving a tenth of everything he owned to him.
No one was required to give anything. Out of gratitude and thanksgiving they poured out blessings upon one another. The tenth became the law of Israel, the tithe. But it was never meant to be a requirement or penalty. It should be given out of gratitude to the Lord. After all, it’s the least you can give.
Action Step: When you give to the Lord any amount, what’s your motivation? Do you give it because you think He needs it or demands it of you? Or are you grateful for what He has done for you?
Lord Jesus, I come to You with a grateful heart. Like Abraham, I offer what’s already Yours. It’s the least I can give, and I want to give more. Please accept my humble offering and multiply it for Your Kingdom.
