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112
The Beginning of the End
God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to
You.”
Jacob was not trying to bargain with God—the Lord had already
promised him prosperity, and this vow came from a heart filled with
gratitude for the assurance of God’s mercy. Jacob felt that the special
evidences of divine favor demanded a return.
Christians should often remember with gratitude the precious
deliverances that God has given to them, opening ways for them
when all seemed dark and threatening, refreshing them when they
were ready to faint. In view of countless blessings each one should
often ask, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward
me?” (
Psalm 116:12
).
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Why the Tithe Is Sacred
Whenever we experience a special deliverance, or new and un-
expected favors are granted us, we should acknowledge God’s good-
ness by gifts or offerings to His cause. As we are continually receiv-
ing the blessings of God, so we are to be continually giving.
“Of all that You give me,” said Jacob, “I will surely give a tenth
to You.” Shall we who enjoy the full light of the gospel be content
to give less to God than was given by those who lived before Jesus
came? Aren’t our obligations even greater? But how useless to
measure time, money, and love mathematically against a love so
immeasurable and a gift of such incredible worth. Tithes for Christ!
Oh, meager pittance, shameful response to that which cost so much!
From the cross of Calvary Christ calls for total consecration of all
that we have, all that we are.
With new faith and assured of the presence of heavenly angels,
Jacob continued his journey to “the land of the people of the East.”
But how different was his arrival from that of Abraham’s messenger
nearly a hundred years before! Eliezer, the servant, had come with
attendants riding on camels, with rich gifts of gold and silver; the
son was a lonely, foot-sore traveler, with no possessions except his
staff. Like Abraham’s servant, Jacob stopped beside a well, and it
was here that he met Rachel, Laban’s younger daughter. On making
known his family relationship, he was welcomed to the home of
Laban. A few weeks showed the worth of his diligence and skill,