Day 45: Pitch in!

Also we made commands for ourselves, to charge ourselves yearly with one-third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God… (Neh. 10:32)

This is thought to be the origin of the famous “Temple Tax” mentioned in the Gospels. As taxes go, this was a small one, comprising about 1/6 of an ounce of silver. The point of the temple tax was to emphasize that everyone was responsible to support the work of God, even if they were the poorest of the poor. This was an important concept: that everyone could and ought to do something. This ensured that everyone learned the blessings of giving, and also ensured that the house of God was properly cared for.

Lord, we may not all be able to give equally, but we can make an equal sacrifice. Increase our faith that as we sow to Your kingdom, You will multiply our seed!