Scripture Passage for Today
Scripture Focus
“On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, leader of the tribe of Naphtali, presented his offering.” (Numbers 7:78 NLT)
Observation
Let’s face it—much of what goes on in the name of “offering-taking” in American Christendom leaves much to be desired. Even though I believe many of the things that are said in conjunction with encouragement towards giving, I often find myself so unhappy with the manner in which they’re said, that I keep my distance in order to not be guilty by association! God’s not looking for hucksters to cajole people out of what they’ve got, but rather for spiritual leaders who might guide people in a loving response of generosity towards God.
There’s a wonderful picture of the joy of generous giving found here in Numbers, chapter 7, though. Each day—over twelve days—a representative leader from a different tribe brings a generous gift on behalf of the tribe before the Lord. There’s no record of coercion, only the presentation of opportunity. There’s no record of manipulation, only a rich history of deliverance from which generous giving springs. There was no showboating, only an appropriate pacing of grandeur befitting the presentation of gifts to the Eternal King.
And oh, how I wish the offering we bring might be increasingly characterized by those sorts of qualities! Oh, how I want my gifts—and the gifts of all the people—to be generous, fit for a King, and given with a rejoicing heart!
5 comments:
My problem is I think to much when I give. I just need to quit thinking too much and let the Lord take care of me and give to Him what he deserves. God deserves everything because he gave everything to me and now I know that I will meet Him some day!
Tho no mention that I noticed of,the reason for the very same offering for each of the 12 tribes. was there a custom that caused this to happen and they seemed to have plenty, I als0 assume gold and silver were very plentiful. the heads of the tribes must of gotten together to known what and when tho I know they gave in the same way they were lined up for travel. It was a great offering and yep no pressure at all. they all gave willingly as we should always.
I think how can this relate to me today and about giving my offering to give to the Lord.The people gave their gifts to the Lord to honour and worship Him thats what I want to do today give to God all that I have everything not only 10 percent but more because He deserves my very best because He gave His best for everyone. And also there was no hold back the people gave praise God.
Hi all, Here's my thought. Wasn't it a beautiful sight to see twelve days of giving. Wasn't it also beautiful to see the people camping before the Tent of meeting waiting on God to tell them when and where to go. Waiting on his presense to rise or descend. Every day they had to turn toward him to know what to do. Every time I read in Exodus and Numbers about the directions God gives and the obedience, of the people, in following them. I think, "This is how it was supposed to be". When we follow his lead it becomes something worthy of Him. Not a big mess that he has to undo. Amen???
I believe the way we use our possessions is an important part of our accountablity to God. An attitude of sacrifice and generosity is needed if I hope to meet the needs of others. This sacrifice may involve giving physical gifts, as the tribal leaders did. Sometimes it involves giving of our time, as the Levites did. God does aask that we bring an offering to him (7:11); the nature and the amount as Pastor pointed out is to be voluntary and from the heart. Glen H
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