How can church leaders today encourage faithful giving as seen in 2 Chronicles 24:9? The Text and Its Context “So they issued a proclamation in Judah and Jerusalem that the people should bring to the LORD the tax that Moses the servant of God had imposed on Israel in the wilderness.” (2 Chronicles 24:9) Under King Joash and the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest, Judah is called to fund the repair of the temple. The nation responds joyfully and generously because the leaders make the need clear, root the appeal in God’s Word, and provide a trustworthy means to give. Principles Drawn from 2 Chronicles 24:9 • Clear, public proclamation of the need • Grounding the appeal in Scripture (“the tax that Moses… had imposed”) • Emphasis that giving is to the LORD, not merely to a project • Unified effort—Judah and Jerusalem together • Practical mechanism for collection (v. 8 mentions the chest outside the gate) • Leadership spearheading the initiative (Joash, Jehoiada, officials) Practical Ways Leaders Can Encourage Faithful Giving Today 1. Proclaim the Need Transparently • Share specific goals—building maintenance, missions, benevolence. • Explain how faithful giving fuels gospel ministry and care for people. 2. Anchor Every Appeal in the Word • Remind congregations that giving is an act of worship (Proverbs 3:9). • Teach that the tithe predates the Law (Genesis 14:20) and is affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 23:23). • Show New Testament generosity principles (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). 3. Make Giving to the LORD the Focus • Frame offerings as “for the LORD” rather than bills to pay (Malachi 3:10). • Emphasize gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice as the motive (2 Corinthians 8:9). 4. Provide Simple, Trustworthy Channels • Secure offering boxes, online platforms, automatic transfer options. • Publish regular financial reports to maintain accountability (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). 5. Model Generosity from the Top • Elders, deacons, and staff lead by example (1 Chronicles 29:3-5). • Share testimonies (without boasting) of how God blesses cheerful givers. 6. Celebrate the Impact • Highlight ministry victories made possible through giving—baptisms, mission trips, benevolence stories (Acts 4:34-35). • Publicly thank God and the congregation when goals are met, mirroring Judah’s rejoicing (2 Chron 24:10). Supporting Scriptural Insights • Malachi 3:10—“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… test Me…” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8—sowing bountifully and cheerful giving • Acts 20:35—“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” • Luke 6:38—“Give, and it will be given to you…” Final Encouragement When leaders proclaim the need clearly, root their appeal in God’s unchanging Word, provide transparent avenues for giving, and exemplify generosity themselves, believers respond just as Judah did—wholeheartedly and joyfully bringing their gifts “to the LORD.” |
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