Withholding of the Sacrifices

Scripture: This is so the Israelites will bring to the Lord the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the Lord, at the entrance to the tent of meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings. Leviticus 17:5

Observation: This instruction to Israel is that every animal that is killed is to be presented as a sacrifice. The Israelites are not to kill it and cook it outside to camp. There are two reasons for this. First, the killing of an animal outside of camp was a way to sacrifice the animal to a different god, and that is completely forbidden. Israel is to have no other gods, so sacrifice to other gods is certainly forbidden. The second reason is likely less obviously stated, and that is that, by sacrificing to the Lord, a portion - the tithe - will be kept by the priests, thus giving that to the Lord, and by sacrificing outside of camp an Israelite is actually withholding the tithe for themselves.

This is the way of God, in faith. It is a way of honor and faith. We honor God by acknowledging him as our true and only God. We express that honor through faith in our willingness to give to him a portion of all things, understanding it is by his blessing we have received them. If one starts with these practices toward God, much of the rest of our relationship with God will go well, or at least have a strong foundation.

Application: I know it took time to learn this, but I believe that I do not withhold my tithe in any way. I do not keep any of it secret or hide it away. However, do I use any of my blessings to honor other gods? Money itself must not come to represent another passion or god, but do I use that money in wrong ways? If I were to have a passion higher than God in my life, spending on that passion would be what that would look like.

I believe I am in a right place with this command, but I should remain on watch. If I am not, I would welcome instruction.

Prayer: Lord, I do welcome your instruction. You are my one Lord and God, and I have none other to 'sacrifice' to. I thank you for your blessings and love, and seek your direction where I need to be a better steward of your resources here on earth. I wish to be a faithful servant. Amen.