Ki Tavo - August 28, 2021

Torah Portion:
Ki Tavo - August 28, 2021
Torah: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8(9)
Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22

Portion Summary:
—Initial harvest offerings and tithes are commanded.
—Stone memorials are to be set up.
—Curses for transgressions are listed.
—Blessings for obedience are listed.
—Three levels of curses for disobedience are detailed.
—The blessings given in the wilderness are recounted.

Devotional by Janet Cothrell:

“When you finish tithing the full tenth of your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you are to give it to the Levite, to the outsider, to the orphan and to the widow, so that they may eat within your town gates and be satisfied.” Deuteronomy 26:12 (TLV)

Tithing is a difficult concept for people to grasp; you take the first and the best of what you have produced, and you…give it away? What if that is the last of what you had? What if something happens that makes it the only produce of the year? Why should I give away something that I have worked for, and if I do, why can’t I give it from what’s leftover?

Some think that tithing is only a way for religious institutions to get your money. Others believe that giving happens after you’ve taken care of yourself. Following that advice is not showing faith in God’s provision; it is just giving Him the crumbs off your table. Tithes and offerings, given in faith, allow God to bless you and show you His faithfulness. Restoration uses your tithes to continue helping the synagogue complete its mission: “To lead people to become fully devoted followers of Yeshua.” This mission applies to not only those who attend, but also those who are far from God.

Restoration also gives a “tithe of the tithe.” Ten percent of the funds that come in are given to other ministries and service organizations in Seattle, Israel, and across world to care for the sick and the needy. Along with this, the offerings made to the Helping Others fund have been used to help members of our community that have faced real needs in this trying season.  

Giving is more than just money going to good causes (although that is certainly part of it). When we tithe, we are acknowledging that God owns “the cattle on a thousand hills,” and that He will provide for us. Engaging in “Irrational Generosity” is one of our core values and a way we take joy in returning His goodness to others!

Father,
I thank You for Your generous provision for me and my family. Lord, I pray that You will lead me to give as You would have me do, with the knowledge that what I have has been provided by You and that You will not leave me or forsake me in times of trouble.
In Yeshua’s name, amen.