Part of our charter is to connect
God’s people with means to those without. We know and understand that all
people are not cutout for this type of ministry, however reading through the prophets, will give us all a very stark understanding
that God identifies Himself with them – more than 3000 references to taking care of the poor, while Jesus tell us that
if we have done something to the least of these, we have done it to him.
Most churches take a cursory look
at the Book of Malachi and deduce that he is instructing Israel give 10% of their money for God’s
work. Many use these verses to pry 10% of their parishioner’s money from
their wallets. Is that what Malachi is saying?
Looking closer this is really a book of judgment on God’s people because they neglected the poor – living
comfortable lives, and not going beyond their legal responsibility to plunge into God’s heart and work fulfilling their
moral responsibility. There were, in fact, three tithes – one for the professional
religious workers (the Levites), who were not allowed to own property, etc., one for the Jubilee (national party), and one
for the poor (the marginalized folks on the lower economic end of society). Read
through God’s old testament law, and you will see a terrible burden God has for the poor by how He mandates/orders for
their provision.
Reading the prophet Malachi, you can
see God’s adamant about taking care of them. He orders ALL of the “tithe”
into the “storehouse” – All 30%. In affect, Israel robbed God by not providing for those without; those
whom He identifies Himself with – the poor. (If you have not done it unto
the least of these ‘my brethren,’ you have not done it unto me – Jesus)
The whole tithe is brought into the storehouse – the professional religious leaders’ and the national party,
all into the storehouse, the pantry for the poor. God even called it, “MY
House.”
If we belong to Christ, so does our
money.
Most people in local churches do give
to their respective church – most do not tithe, and most do not give sacrificially.
However, most have not heard this
message in a format that transcends our culture, and there are folks sitting right now in your pews that if given a fresh
look at this, love Jesus enough to take up the plight of the poor, financially, and personally if they understood this message
for today. A new kind of “altar call.”
I would like the chance to explain
these concepts in your Churches, to your people, asking for their help in partnership with us.
We are doing a lot with a very little, but I must admit my frustration moving forward, struggling to help people with
real, and desperate need. We to, are in need as a church, as we try to develop
a community of faith. Planting Still Waters is very time consuming and difficult
to do part-time. I have left my corporate position with Exelon to do so. We are very nervous – and thrilled.
If you would, please consider inviting
me to talk to your congregation, and explore the possibilities of reaching those who otherwise would never experience God’s
acceptance and love.
Peace,
Pastor Kork Moyer
