“The People of Israel went to work and started gathering, some more, some less, but when they measured out what they had gathered, those who gathered more had no extra and those who gathered less weren’t short—each person had gathered as much as was needed.”
Exodus 16:17-18 MSG
I couldn’t help thinking as I read today about the trend "girl math." Whether the Israelites followed God's direction on quantity or not, it worked out perfectly. Everyone had exactly what they needed. This is what “Kingdom provision“ looks like.
There wasn't a verse that stood out to me as much as an overall theme of, "The Lord is my provider." Im not just thinking about the bread in the morning and the quail at night, but EVERYTHING from protection and sustenance to security. He had it all covered. I love how the New Testament says it in, Matthew 6:31-34, "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
The Lord wanted their hearts. He wanted their devotion and ultimately a relationship that gave them confidence of Him as their ultimate provider. Their wilderness season was a playground for the Israelites to practice their total reliance on the Lord. Whenever I hear anything about Sabbath or Tithing I am reminded how important our dependance on the Lord is. When we are willing to receive the gift of Sabbath, truly resting each week for a full day, we are ultimately trusting the Lord with our time. When we recognize he can do more in 6 days than we can do in 7, we are truly yielded. The same is true when we tithe or as some would say, "Give of our first fruits" giving the 1st 10th of everything we make to the church we are saying, "Lord everything I have is yours. It's not so much about me giving a tenth as much as you are letting me keep 90%. I trust you in the area of finances and provision for myself and my family."
I felt a holy conviction today around these two spiritual disciplines. When I am resting and tithing I am ultimately fully surrendered to the Lord's provision and direction in my life. My job is Obedience no matter what season I may be in.
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