In what ways can we apply Nehemiah 7:72's principles to our church giving? Setting the Scene “The rest of the people gave twenty thousand drachmas of gold, two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests’ garments.” — Nehemiah 7:72 Principles in the Verse • Shared responsibility: “the rest of the people” implies everyone, not just leaders, participated. • Tangible sacrifice: gold, silver, and garments represented real, costly assets. • Worship-centered giving: the gifts supplied priests and temple worship, keeping God’s house central. • Recorded accountability: the exact amounts are preserved, modeling transparent stewardship. Applying These Principles to Our Church Giving • Everyone joins in – No member is too insignificant to contribute (cf. Exodus 35:29). – Unified giving knits the body together (Acts 4:32-35). • Give something that costs us – David refused offerings that “cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). – Sacrificial, not spare-change, offerings honor the Lord (Proverbs 3:9). • Support the ministry’s core needs – The gifts kept priests clothed and serving; our giving funds preaching, teaching, missions, benevolence (1 Timothy 5:17-18). • Embrace transparent handling of funds – Open records build trust (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). – Clear budgets help members see exactly where their gifts advance the gospel. Practical Steps for Congregations 1. Publish quarterly financial reports listing categories and totals, mirroring Nehemiah’s recorded figures. 2. Encourage membership classes that teach biblical stewardship, tying Malachi 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 to Nehemiah 7:72. 3. Designate clear “kingdom priorities” (evangelism, discipleship, mercy) and invite members to fund them. 4. Celebrate milestones—just as the returned exiles rejoiced—so the church sees God’s provision in real numbers. 5. Provide non-cash giving opportunities (property, stocks, skills) as Israel gave garments, not only coins. The Heart Behind the Gift • Cheerfulness over compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Faith that God multiplies obedience (Luke 6:38). • Gratitude for redemption, echoing Israel’s gratitude for restored worship (Psalm 116:12-14). When every believer offers costly, transparent, worship-driven gifts, the local church mirrors the unity, sacrifice, and joy captured in Nehemiah 7:72. |
    |