Big trouble came to Israel when Achan didn't listen to the Lord's command that all plunder from Jericho was to be given to Him. Instead, Achan's usurping of God's portion cost him his life. What's interesting to me is that when the Israelites attack Ai for the second time, God tells them that the plunder is now theirs to keep. Jericho was the first battle for Israel in the Promised Land, and God wanted them to remember to whom the victory should be attributed. They were there because of God, and they owed God the offering of plunder from Jericho. God was not naive to their needs, and He allowed them to keep some of their hard-earned income. However, He wanted the first portion. Do you give God your first portion? The older I get, the more I am convinced that giving God my first portion is absolutely essential to loving Him. At Catalyst today one of the speakers made the following comment: people are willing to trust God with their eternal security but they refuse to trust Him with their money! AMEN! Give the firstfruits to God because He deserves them!
About Seth
Seth is a pastor, author, and speaker who lives in Batesville, Indiana. He is married to Kari, and they have two daughters, Madelyn and Noelle.
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