How does Exodus 29:40 guide us in offering our best to God today? “With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of beaten olive oil, and a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine.” The scene: daily worship in the wilderness - A spotless lamb, the choicest flour, carefully pressed oil, and quality wine were presented morning and evening. - Nothing ordinary or leftover was acceptable; Israel’s priests showcased God-worthiness with premium resources offered on a steady rhythm. What the ingredients teach us about giving our best • Lamb – the costliest animal, foreshadowing Christ (John 1:29). • Fine flour – sifted for purity, symbolizing work refined of compromise. • Beaten olive oil – product of pressure and patience, picturing Spirit-empowered devotion. • Wine – joyful celebration, reminding us that generosity should be glad-hearted, not grim (2 Corinthians 9:7). Principles that transfer to today - Quality over convenience: God is honored when we present excellent work, resources, and time, not whatever we can spare (Malachi 1:8). - Consistency over occasional bursts: morning and evening offerings model a lifestyle, not a moment (Hebrews 13:15). - Whole-person worship: the sacrifice involved body (lamb), provision (flour, oil), and emotion (wine). Romans 12:1 captures this totality. Practical expressions of “our best” • Finances – firstfruits giving, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9). • Time – setting prime hours for Scripture, prayer, and service instead of squeezing God between other priorities. • Talents – using specialized skills in ministry with the same excellence we’d give an employer (Colossians 3:23). • Relationships – offering grace, forgiveness, and truth in love as refined gifts to God (Ephesians 4:32). • Praise – cultivating heartfelt, articulate gratitude that rises continually like the daily burnt offering (Psalm 50:14). Encouragement from the rest of Scripture - “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) - “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) - “Through Jesus… let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise… and do not neglect to do good and to share with others.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) - “Each one should give as he has purposed in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Takeaway Exodus 29:40 calls us to deliberate, excellent, and joyful giving. Whether it’s money, time, skills, or praise, the guiding question remains: “Is this my finest, offered regularly and gladly to the One who gave His best for me?” |
    |