In what ways does Exodus 30:11 connect to New Testament teachings on stewardship? Setting the Scene “Then the LORD said to Moses,” (Exodus 30:11). One short line, yet it opens the section on the census offering—the ransom each Israelite pays to recognize God’s ownership and avert plague. That single verse launches a lesson on stewardship that echoes all the way into the New Testament. Key Old-Covenant Stewardship Themes • Ownership: God counts His people; they belong to Him first, not to themselves. • Ransom: Every male gives a half-shekel “atonement money” (v. 12). Possessions serve spiritual purposes. • Equality: Rich and poor give the same amount (v. 15), reminding all that value comes from God, not wealth totals. • Accountability: The census happens under God’s command, not human whim. Stewardship answers to the Lord. New Testament Echoes • We are bought at a price – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” The ransom principle of Exodus anticipates Christ’s redemptive purchase. – 1 Peter 1:18-19: our redemption is “not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” • Equal standing before God – Galatians 3:28: every believer—rich or poor—has the same status in Christ. The half-shekel gift foreshadows that equal footing. • Stewardship as worship – Romans 12:1: present your bodies as living sacrifices, echoing Israel’s ransom offering as a devoted act. – 2 Corinthians 9:7: “God loves a cheerful giver.” Old-covenant giving flows naturally into New-covenant generosity. • Responsible counting – Luke 14:28-30: Jesus commends counting the cost. In Exodus, counting Israel required acknowledging God’s claim; in the church, planning finances under Christ’s lordship carries the same mindset. • Temple tax fulfilled in Christ – Matthew 17:24-27: Jesus provides the half-shekel from a fish’s mouth, showing He satisfies every ransom requirement and freeing us to give out of grace, not compulsion. Practical Takeaways for Today • Recognize divine ownership: everything we count—income, time, talents—starts with God’s claim. • Give as redeemed people: our offerings flow from gratitude for Christ’s ransom, not mere duty. • Practice equality: value brothers and sisters for their redemption, not their bank accounts. • Plan stewardship intentionally: just as Israel counted under God’s direction, budget and allocate resources prayerfully. • Let generosity witness to the gospel: each gift whispers the storyline of ransom and redemption fulfilled in Jesus. |
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