Have fun

Detractors often regard 'the God of the Old Testament' as some mean god that demands that we fear him. But let's look at Deuteronomy 14:22-28 for some information about the relationship between God and his people.

• You will tithe (pay a 10th of your produce). Not atypical of an agrarian society: the tithe goes to the overlord.
• You will use the tithe for a party! The party will teach you about God (to 'fear' the lord; what this teaches is that God is a fun God and wants us to know him as the source of delight).
• The party will include wine and strong drink (the text says 'whatever your heart desires'): this is a real hoe-down type party. God is more than a fun God.
• Don't forget those who don't have their own produce (Levites, and every third year, the poor): God wants everyone to have fun.

Pity this aspect of God is not trumpted.

Then check out what the kingdom of God will be like: another party! Only those who don't want to participate are excluded.