In what ways can we emulate the generosity shown in Numbers 7:82? Setting the Scene “one male goat for the sin offering;” (Numbers 7:82) On the twelfth day of altar dedication, Ahira son of Enan of Naphtali gave the very same costly offerings as every tribal leader before him. His male goat, set apart for a sin offering, capped a gift that would never be used for his personal benefit. It went wholly to the Lord, covering sin and pointing ahead to the perfect sacrifice of Christ. What Their Generosity Teaches • Costly obedience: the giver surrendered valuable livestock that could have advanced his own herd. • Shared pattern: each tribe matched the others, showing that generosity is contagious when God’s people lead by example. • Sin-conscious giving: the goat addressed sin first; resources mattered, but right standing with God mattered most (cf. Hebrews 9:22). Principles We Can Emulate • Give sacrificially – Proverbs 3:9, “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” – Sacrifice means we feel the cost—and rejoice in it. • Give purposefully – 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give…” – The tribal leaders planned their gifts; we budget kingdom generosity rather than waiting for leftovers. • Give collectively – Hebrews 13:16, “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Join with the body of Christ so our combined gifts meet larger needs. • Address sin first – Romans 12:1 urges us to present ourselves as living sacrifices; repentant hearts make material gifts acceptable. Practical Ways to Live This Out • Tithe or pre-decide a proportion of every paycheck for your local church’s ministry and benevolence. • Support missionaries or gospel projects that confront spiritual darkness, mirroring the sin-offering focus. • Keep a “generosity fund” envelope or account so you’re ready when a need arises. • Use your home for hospitality—meals, small-group meetings, or temporary housing for someone in crisis. • Volunteer skills the way Israel offered livestock: teaching a class, fixing a roof, babysitting for struggling parents. • Include legacy giving in your estate plan, dedicating a “male goat” portion of future assets to kingdom work. Motivation Fueling Our Giving • Look to Christ, the ultimate sin offering (Ephesians 5:2). • Remember the widow’s mite—Jesus values heart over amount (Mark 12:43-44). • Anticipate eternal reward (Matthew 6:19-21). Living Today Like Naphtali’s Leader Set your heart on God first, plan generosity that actually costs you something, and partner with fellow believers so that, together, the aroma of our gifts rises like Israel’s offerings—pleasing the Lord, meeting real needs, and pointing a watching world to the saving work of Jesus. |
    |