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Malachi explains that the Israelites are robbing God through the withholding of tithes and offerings which also translates to the breaking of the terms of the Covenant, evidence of Israel’s backsliding
The rebellion of the Jews is not strange to God because it has been in their nature, yet God appeals that they return to him
The tithe is a tenth of the produce of the land (Deut 12:6), while offerings are freewill and mandatory gifts which include agricultural produce, material goods, or personal valuables, given to the Lord or his sanctuary usually as thank-offering in recognition of God’s goodness and generosity
Israel as a nation thus came under a curse because of their failure to follow the covenant commitment, hence denying themselves of God’s blessings.
Now, God reassures them of abundant harvests and safety from pestilence if they return to him and do the needful
One of the characteristics of the Early Church was sharing their possession in common.
The author of Acts mentioned an excellent example of a man named Joseph, he sold his field and brought the money to the Apostles (Act 4:36)
But Ananias did the same and decided to keep back some money, declaring a false price for which he sold the land
As Paul rebuked him for lying to the Holy Spirit and to have allowed Satan to fill his heart, he fell and died immediately
His wife came in a few hours later and repeated the same story before Paul, for they had both agreed on this from home
They had both conspired to deceive the church leaders and God which consequently ended up in the instant death penalty
God’s response brought fear of God among the people.
Friends, when Satan is allowed to fill one’s heart, it will result in continuous disobedience until a complete destruction