How does contributing to God's work reflect our commitment to Him today? Setting the Scene: Exodus 30:14 “Everyone who crosses over to those numbered, from twenty years old and up, shall give the LORD’s offering.” What the Half-Shekel Taught Israel • Every adult shared the same amount—rich or poor—highlighting that all stand equal before God. • The contribution was earmarked for the tabernacle’s service, keeping worship central in national life. • It was commanded, not suggested; giving flowed from obedience, not whim. • Failure to give meant distancing oneself from the covenant community. Timeless Principles Embedded in the Command • God-first stewardship: material resources are placed under divine lordship. • Visible loyalty: tangible giving proved invisible faith. • Shared responsibility: no believer is exempt from supporting God’s work. • Redemption reminder: the payment linked to atonement (Exodus 30:15-16), foreshadowing Christ’s ransom. New-Testament Echoes • “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) • “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse … test Me … see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” (Malachi 3:10) • The widow’s two coins (Luke 21:1-4) show that amount matters less than devotion. • Paul calls gifts “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) How Contributing Reflects Commitment Today • Affirms God’s ownership: when we release funds, we confess He owns everything (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Shows covenant loyalty: supporting congregational ministry parallels Israel’s tabernacle support. • Links heart to mission: giving attaches our affections to gospel advance. • Demonstrates trust: we honor the Lord with firstfruits, believing His promise of provision (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Strengthens unity: shared generosity knits believers together (Acts 2:44-45). Practical Ways to Live the Principle – Start with planned, percentage giving off the top of income. – Elevate offering to a worship act, not a budget leftover. – Support local church first, then missionaries, mercy ministries, and outreach. – Revisit your giving annually, aiming for growth in sacrifice and joy. – Include time and abilities; the wallet often follows where hands and feet already serve. – Teach children to give, mirroring the universal expectation of Exodus 30:14. Encouraging Outcomes God Promises • Personal blessing—spiritual and material (“your barns will be filled,” Proverbs 3:10). • Kingdom expansion—needs met so the gospel moves forward (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). • Eternal reward—treasure laid up where moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:20). • Deeper joy—“cheerful giver” delight surpasses mere consumption (2 Corinthians 9:7). Faithful contributions still declare, as that half-shekel once did, “I belong to the LORD and His mission matters more than my comfort.” |
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