Grow Guide | Oct 26 & 30

All Things New 

Deuteronomy 14:22-29

Connecting Questions

What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to? What made it a great party?

Do you have a story about someone helping you out when you were in need? What was that like? How did it affect you?

Context

This is the second week in our 4-week worship series called “All Things New,” the title of which comes from Revelation 21:5, “And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” God is doing something new at Easter and in our lives, and through our generosity, we are a part of it.

Our scripture readings for this worship series are topical instead of chronological. As we explore the theme of generosity, we jump from 1 Corinthians (which we read last week) to Deuteronomy. Instead of Paul’s letters, we hear Moses’ last directions to the Israelites before his death. Deuteronomy is a series of speeches given by Moses just before the Israelites reach the promised land (which Moses doesn’t live to enter). Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites about the law and their covenant with God in order to prepare them for their new life as a settled community after years of wandering in the wilderness. Chapter 14 is part of a detailed section (chapters 12-26) about the law the people are to follow in the promised land. It includes regulations concerning tithes, with the assumption that the people will be generous.

Look at the Book

·      Read Deuteronomy 14:22-29. What sticks out to you in these verses? What questions do you have after reading them? (For your information, tithing is identified as 10% of income as far back as Abraham, in Genesis 14:18-20.)

·      Look closely at Deuteronomy 14:23. Every farmer is to take 10% of their harvest and every firstborn male domestic animal to the central sanctuary to eat as a communal meal. In other words, they’re to bring grain, wine, oil and meat to a big party to celebrate their blessings from God “so that [you all] may learn to fear the Lord your God always.” The original Hebrew word for “fear” in this verse can also be translated as “revere.” How does practicing generosity lead to respect and admiration for God? How does this differ from giving out of fear of God?

·      In the past, people offered their sacrifices at one of many nearby holy places. Moses gives them a new direction: go to one central sanctuary to offer your sacrifices. Farmers who lived far from this location could convert the tithe of their crops into cash so they could travel to the central holy place and buy food and drink for a banquet there. Why do you think this change was made? What effect would this have on the community and their worship experience?

·      Look closely at Deuteronomy 14:26. Once the farmer and the farmer’s household reach the central sanctuary, they’re to spend their money on whatever they wish and eat there in the presence of God, rejoicing together. Everyone benefits from the act of generosity by eating, drinking and enjoying fellowship. What do you think of God connecting the act of giving with a fun party? Why is that important to God? Is your own experience with giving similar or different? Does this give you permission to give in new ways?

·      Look closely at Deuteronomy 14:27-29. The Levites were the priestly class (who performed religious functions) and did not receive inheritances or gain wealth. The farmers were expected to share their tithe with the Levites, and every third year they were to store up a second 10% of their harvest for the Levites as well as people in need (resident aliens, orphans, widows). Why do you think Moses gives them such specific directions for giving? Why is it important to have a specific plan for giving that includes those in need?   

Taking it Home

·      Take time this week to look at your finances and discover what 10% of your income currently equals (if you haven’t recently). This is simply for your own information and is not meant to make you feel badly about your giving habits! If you don’t tithe to organizations or causes, what would tithing 10% of your income feel like to you?

·      Think of the ways you revere God in your life. Are there ways this week you can spend time giving God admiration and respect?