Pour Out A Blessing

Pour Out a Blessing

Q: God promised to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing if the people would do what?

• a. finish rebuilding the Temple
• b. bring their tithes to him
• c. observe the reading of Scripture

The people in Malachi’s day didn’t pay much attention to God. And they didn’t give him part of their money and goods like they were supposed to do. Tithing, or giving part of one’s money or crops, began during Moses’ time. The Levites, who were the priests, didn’t own their own land or have their own crops, so they received some of the tithes for food. When the people during Malachi’s time didn’t give their tithes, the Levites had to work to support themselves and weren’t able to do their duties at the Temple.

The people forgot that all their money, crops, cattle, and other goods came from God and really belonged to the Lord, not to them. People today, too, sometimes fail to acknowledge that what they have is from God. The talents they have that allow them to earn money are from God. The intelligence or strength they have to work comes from God. He only asks for a small part in return.

God promised in Malachi that he’d pour out blessings if the people would give, and he promises the same today. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

For You

You may not have much money to give to God, but you can give him your talents and time, as well as part of your allowance or other money you receive.

Answer: b

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”   Malachi 3:10

(The Whole Story: Malachi 3:6-15)