PROCLAMATION
“Let every priest receive
the money from one of the treasurers, then use it to repair whatever damage is
found in the temple.” 2 Kings 12:5 (NIV)
EXPLANATION
When Joash (Jehoash) became king of Israel, he did
that which was right in the eyes of The Lord. (2 Kings 12:2) He gathered all the priests together and
requested that all of the money which was collected from the people be used to
repair the temple. (2 Kings 12:4-5)
However, after twenty-three years no significant repair work had been
done. Then he ordered the priests to
bring all of the money which was collected to him and he would see that it got
to the workmen who were to repair the temple. (2 Kings 12:6-12)
APPLICATION
All too often people complain about giving money to
the church out of concern that all of their money is going to the
preacher. While some of the money which is
collected does go to the man of God, the majority of the money goes to pay the
bills for services which are necessary in order to keep the temple operational
like the mortgage, utilities, cleaning, repairs, and upkeep. We should not let the temple fall into disrepair. Just like it costs to keep our homes
operational, it costs to keep the church house operational. There are also costs associated with the
various outreach missions of the church.
The Lord devised a fair and equitable system whereby the members could
support the financial obligations of the church by giving one tenth of all
their increase. (Genesis 28:22 and Numbers 18:26) There is an overflow of blessings in store for
all believers that tithe. (Malachi 3:8-10)
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