Deuteronomy 14:3 & 22 –
<3> “You must not eat any detestable animals that are ceremonially unclean.” <22> “You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year.”
This is where the rubber meats the road when it comes to the law… pun intended. Do you notice the first thing outside the Ten Commandments that Moses says you MUST do relates to food and tithing? Before this Moses is really expanding on the Ten Commandments, but this is the first real set of laws outside the “basics”. Interestingly these are the first two that most Christians consider “Old Covenant” and therefore may be ignored. But interestingly both are apply today as they did in Moses’ time.
First let’s explore the Food Laws and see why we should consider them. I know Peter’s vision in Acts where unclean food was allowed as long as it was blessed justifies eating whatever for many. Peter interpreted this as seeking the lost and welcoming anyone in, not just the Jews. But we look at the science of why we should not eat say pork. Sure we have refrigeration now that makes storage of pork safer, but it was not available when Peter had his vision. So why is pork off limits then? Well you get into what they eat and knowing their digestive track is very simple, we find the toxins they ingest go right to the meat. A cow has a much more complex digestive track and assuming “grass fed”, intakes higher quality food. For more details on the science behind the dietary Laws, read The Makers Diet by Jordan Ruben.
Now let’s look at the tithe and its importance. The tithe is 10% by definition. Be it 10% of the grain you take in or 10% of the livestock or 10% of your pay check, it’s always the first and the best. I have heard many arguments against it, the first being Jesus removed our need to obey the Law. Actually he “fulfilled” the Law instead of negating it. Also remember the widow’s mite, that was 100% not 10% so Jesus’ standard is much higher. The question is why tithe anyway? That is actually simple, obedience to God. It shows faith that you know He will provide and meet your needs on 90%. Also, this provides for the Levites or ministers to survive and teach us about God.
Now is it a sin to eat pork or hold back money from God? That I don’t know for sure, I believe the legalistic aspects of the Israelites was one of the main focuses of Jesus. I believe you may eat unclean foods as long as it’s blessed and not tithe without sinning, but you will be “outside” God’s wishes and may not receive His full blessings. Sometimes I still eat pork and tithe off the bottom and for me it’s done in disobedience.
Before we leave look at 24-27 and tell me what you think! It’s interesting how if you have a long way to travel you can sell your tithe, bring the money to the place of offering and use it to party. Does that justify a paid vacation on God? Or is that only for a “good harvest”? Your thoughts are welcome!