The People of God: The Story of the ChurchSample

We start by going back in the story for our first reading today, looking at the interesting account of Abraham’s encounter with the priest-king Melchizedek. Melchizedek is referenced in the book of Hebrews, saying that Jesus is a priest in his line. Abraham seems to recognize that there is something special about this king from Salem (many believe what will later become Jerusalem) by offering him a tenth of everything he had.

As we noted on day 4, this was continued by Abraham’s Grandson, Jacob, as he gives a tenth of all he has to God. In the passages from Deuteronomy, the tithe was to be spent on meals eaten in the presence of the Lord and on the Levites, foreigners, widows, and orphans to make sure that they had enough.

There are also commands given by God for the Sabbath. The people are encouraged to be generous. Being a people of the Sabbath means having more than enough in order to be a blessing to others.

We see a continuation of an incredibly different way of living in these passages. Acknowledging that anything one has ultimately come from God. The principle of giving to God is one that Christians have continued. This is not done out of duty but reverence for God and a commitment to be his people on earth.