How can Ezekiel 45:15 guide our understanding of giving in the New Testament? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 45:15 “and one sheep from every two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel—these will be used for the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings to make atonement for the people, declares the Lord GOD.” Key Observations from the Verse • A precise proportion—1 out of 200—demonstrates ordered, measurable giving. • The gift is drawn from “well-watered pastures,” implying quality, not leftovers. • The offering has a clear purpose: sustaining worship (grain, burnt, peace offerings) and securing atonement. • The requirement comes directly from the Lord, making giving an act of obedience. Principles Connecting Old and New 1. Proportionate Giving • Ezekiel: 1 in 200. • New Testament echo: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of the money you have earned.” (1 Corinthians 16:2) 2. Priority on Quality • Ezekiel: best pastures. • NT: the Magi brought gold, frankincense, myrrh (Matthew 2:11); believers sold property and laid proceeds at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:34-35). 3. Purpose-Driven Giving • Ezekiel: fuels sacrifices pointing to atonement. • NT: giving supports gospel advance and care for saints (Philippians 4:15-18; 2 Corinthians 8:4). 4. Worship and Atonement Centered • Ezekiel’s offerings foreshadow Christ’s cross. • NT: generous response flows from Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:10; 2 Corinthians 8:9). 5. Divine Command, Willing Heart • Ezekiel: “declares the Lord GOD.” • NT: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Practical Takeaways for Today • Set a planned percentage of income for gospel work; adjust upward as God prospers you. • Give from the first and best—not the leftovers. • Direct gifts where they most clearly uphold worship, evangelism, and care for believers. • Let the cross motivate generosity; we give because He first gave Himself (Galatians 2:20). • Obey joyfully, trusting God’s promise: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) |
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