Each year, for many of us, the Feast of Tabernacles seems to be better than all those that have gone before. "That was the best Feast ever!" is an exclamation we hear again and again.
However, something seems to go wrong once in a while to prevent our Feast from being perfect. Perhaps we forgot to pack a shaving kit, a special suit or dress, or the shoes that match the new skirt. Maybe the car broke down, we missed a flight, or an airline lost our luggage. Occasionally our accommodations may not have met our expectations. Worse yet, we may not have had enough money set aside to really enjoy the Feast as we could have. If we had properly saved ahead for this great time that celebrates the establishment of Christ's rule over the earth for a thousand years, everything would have gone so much better. "A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything" (Ecclesiastes 10:19).
God has provided us with a savings plan to ensure that we have the best Feast possible each year. Sadly, some brethren who faithfully pay their first tithe do not set aside a full second tithe for their households to use at God's Festivals. As a result, they deprive themselves of the resources they need to have a truly bountiful Feast. Still, God commands: "You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. And you shall eat before the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always" (Deuteronomy 14:22–23).
"But after paying my first tithe, and paying all my bills, I just can't afford to save the second tithe," some will say. Really? Perhaps you just think that you cannot afford to put away a full second tithe. Try this: before you pay any of your bills, pay God His 10 percent, then put a second 10 percent in the bank, perhaps through payroll direct deposit so that the tithe will be deposited automatically each paycheck. This way, you will not feel any pressure or temptation to put other obligations ahead of God's commandment. You may be surprised to discover how far your remaining money will go, once you decide to obey God by faithfully saving your Festival tithe. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
Some who fail to plan for the Feast may be tempted to use a credit card to cover their Festival expenses. This not only delays the consequences of failing to plan, it makes matters worse, as the credit card charges must be paid with interest. Some find that by the time the next Feast arrives, they still have not paid off their debts from the last Feast! If you are caught in this seemingly endless financial trap, now is the time to "tighten your belt," trust God and begin saving your second tithe as He has instructed. For some this may be difficult, but the rewards far exceed any temporary discomforts. If you are in debt, you might want to treat the upcoming months as though you were in a third tithe year, and commit to getting by on a little less while you are paying down your debts. Once God sees that you are serious about saving your tithes as He tells us in His word, you will be able to pay your second tithe and pay your credit card debts!
God has promised to bless us bountifully when we obey Him. If you start saving your second tithe now, as you begin to prepare for the 2006 Feast of Tabernacles, this will ensure a happier and more peaceful Festival season for you and your family.