Read Leviticus 27:1-34
Knowing what is meant by “making a vow” will help us understand this passage a little more. As I understand it, in those days when you prayed to God you could make a vow and add on to your prayer by giving something of value to God as a special gift dedicated to him. This “vow” could be a person, animal, house, or land, in place of any monetary gift to be given. The priests were in charge of keeping track of the values.
The idea of a vow that comes to me is what a bride and groom exchange during a wedding ceremony. Much different, and yet still the same. The marriage vow is more of a pledge to be true and honor God and the other spouse in the union. Different in that it doesn’t involve a monetary value, but the same in that it is a dedication to God. The marriage union is then deemed to be bound by God. I wonder how many couples today understand the history of vows in God’s eyes.
This passage also looks at other ways we give back to God besides by using vows. The concept of tithing is introduced to the people. That is, the giving back to God one-tenth of what you have. When we remember that everything belongs to God, it should seem odd that we only are expected to give some of it back.
Every church I’ve ever been to takes an offering as part of the service or has a designated box for tithing available. Do these gifts count as our tithe back to God? Absolutely! We can also find charitable organizations that honor the kingdom of God and direct our giving dollars there.
The idea of giving can even be seen as an act of worshipping God. Especially when our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. We shouldn’t give to God because we “have” to, but because we can’t help ourselves and “want” to. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”
Since the Year of Jubilee doesn’t exist anymore, some of those references can become confusion. Suffice it to say that God’s law is providing the criteria we need to know how we can show God our devotion through giving. After all, God is the best giver of all. He has given us an example we cannot deny. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
When we are given a gift, I was taught from childhood to say, “thank you.” Are thank you notes still a “thing?” How are you showing your thanks to God? Are you a cheerful giver?
Let’s pray. LORD, I come to you on bended knee. Thank you for the laws and precepts you gave Moses for your people to follow. Help me to process all that you have decreed and understand how you want it to impact my life. I am overflowing with gratefulness for all that you have done for me. Fill me anew with your wisdom and strength for this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
