In what ways can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving today? A snapshot from Numbers 7:84 “Numbers 7:84: ‘These were the offerings of the leaders of Israel for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed: twelve silver dishes, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold dishes.’ ” - Every tribe participated—no one was left out. - Each leader brought the same costly gift, showing shared commitment. - The offerings celebrated God’s presence at the newly anointed altar; giving was an act of worship, not a mere transaction. What made their giving sacrificial - The quantities were large: silver and gold measured by sanctuary standards. - The timing was significant: immediately after the tabernacle’s completion, when resources could have been reserved for future needs. - The gifts were voluntary; Numbers 7 repeatedly says, “his offering was…,” underscoring personal willingness. - The value pointed to God’s worth, echoing David’s later resolve: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). Timeless principles echoed elsewhere - Cheerful generosity: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). - Proportional yet wholehearted: the widow’s two mites outweighed larger sums because she “put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:4). - Worship-centered giving: Mary’s pound of pure nard (John 12:3) filled the house with fragrance, just as the tribal offerings filled the camp with worship. - Obedience with faith: “Bring the full tithe…test Me in this” (Malachi 3:10)—sacrifice linked to trust in God’s provision. Practical ways to practice sacrificial giving today Time - Set apart blocks in your weekly schedule for serving others—teaching children, visiting shut-ins, mentoring youth. - Intentionally surrender prime personal hours, not leftover moments. Talents - Offer professional skills (legal, medical, mechanical, technological) freely to those who cannot repay. - Dedicate creative gifts—music, art, writing—to gospel outreach rather than self-promotion. Treasure - Tithe first, not after expenses; let giving shape the budget. - Go beyond routine giving with spontaneous, Spirit-led generosity when you encounter a need (Acts 4:34-35). - Simplify lifestyle choices—a smaller home, older car—to release funds for missions, benevolence, and church planting. Touchpoints of compassion - Support persecuted believers (Hebrews 13:3). - Sponsor orphans and widows (James 1:27). - Stock local food banks, remembering Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD.” Corporate dedication - Join with your small group or congregation in a united, one-voice offering for a specific ministry, mirroring Israel’s collective altar dedication. - Celebrate milestones (new church building, missionary launch) with gifts that visibly honor the Lord. Motivations that sustain sacrificial giving - Gratitude: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). - Eternal perspective: treasures in heaven cannot be stolen or corroded (Matthew 6:19-21). - Gospel imitation: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2). - Joy of partnership: Paul calls the Philippians’ gifts “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Living the lesson Sacrificial giving is less about subtracting from our lives and more about declaring God’s incomparable worth. Like the twelve leaders in Numbers 7, we can join together—each one bringing a costly, willing, worship-filled gift—and watch the Lord use it to glorify His name and bless His people. |
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