Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 12—A Marked Change From Jewish Days
Of all our income we should make the first appropriation to God. In the system of beneficence enjoined upon the Jews, they were required either to bring to the Lord the first fruits of all His gifts, whether in the increase of their flocks or herds, or in the produce of their fields, orchards, or vineyards, or they were to redeem it by substituting an equivalent. How changed the order of things in our day! The Lord’s requirements and claims, if they receive any attention, are left till the last. Yet our work needs tenfold more means now than was needed by the Jews. {CS 68.2}
The great commission given to the apostles was to go throughout the world and preach the gospel. This shows the extension of the work, and the increased responsibility resting upon the followers of Christ in our day. If the law required tithes and offerings thousands of years ago, how much more essential are they now! If the rich and poor were to give a sum proportionate to their property in the Jewish economy, it is doubly essential now.—Testimonies for the Church 4:474. {CS 68.3}
The world is a big place with over 7 billion people, and counting. Yes, it will take many resources to fulfill our commission of going out throughout the world with the everlasting gospel. It is the duty of both the rich and the poor to give towards the work of carrying out the plan of salvation. Just as Christ Jesus gave Himself as a first fruit, we are to give of our first fruit to God. This is our responsibility today, even more so, than in Jewish days. The system of beneficence must continue to hasten Christ’s Second Advent. Do not wait until tomorrow, as tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You for the opportunity, privilege, and honor of allowing us to be co-workers with You in the great plan of salvation. We see our need to go forth mightily in carrying Your gospel message throughout the world. We pray for Your strength and protection as we go out into all parts of the world, even locally, as witnesses to all people of Your soon coming. We pray for a special blessing on the first fruits we return unto You, to help save souls for Your heavenly kingdom. We pray that You increase our faith in these last days. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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