What steps can we take to ensure our offerings honor God appropriately? The Context: Judges 13:16 “And the Angel of the LORD told Manoah, ‘Even though you detain Me, I will not eat your food, but if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.’ ” Recognize the True Recipient • The Angel of the LORD redirects Manoah’s hospitality away from Himself and toward God. • Every gift, tithe, act of service, or prayer we bring must be consciously aimed at the Lord, not at people or institutions. • Compare: Colossians 3:23-24—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” Give What God Specifies, Not What We Invent • Manoah wanted to serve a meal; God requested a burnt offering. • Genuine honor comes from obeying God’s revealed pattern rather than presenting creative substitutes. • Cross-reference: 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Practical takeaway: Search Scripture first; align giving, volunteering, worship style, and life decisions with what God actually asks. Offerings Require Obedient Hearts • Judges 13:16 links offering with submission; the Angel’s words test Manoah’s willingness to do it God’s way. • Psalm 51:17—“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” Right heart posture precedes acceptable gifts. • Matthew 5:23-24 urges reconciliation before presenting a gift at the altar; relational obedience matters. Guard Against Self-glory • Manoah initially focused on hosting an impressive guest. God deflected personal honor to His own glory. • Malachi 1:8 warns against offering blemished sacrifices—half-hearted gifts insult God and spotlight ourselves. • Modern parallel: giving or serving so others will notice, rather than exalting Christ. Honor God with Your Best • Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • The first, finest portion reflects trust that God will supply tomorrow. • 2 Samuel 24:24—David refuses to offer “that which costs me nothing,” modeling sacrificial generosity. Combine Generosity with Worship and Mercy • Hebrews 13:15-16 balances “sacrifice of praise” with “do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • Giving that honors God includes both vertical worship and horizontal compassion. Practical Steps for Today 1. Examine motives—ask whether each gift aims for God’s pleasure or human approval (Galatians 1:10). 2. Give the first portion—set aside tithe or offering before spending the rest. 3. Align with Scripture—study passages on giving (e.g., 2 Corinthians 8–9), then plan accordingly. 4. Maintain integrity—repair relationships and repent of sin so the offering comes from a clean heart (1 John 1:9). 5. Offer your whole self—time, talents, possessions, praise, and acts of mercy; God desires all of you (Romans 12:1). 6. Stay thankful—remember that every resource originates from God (James 1:17), nurturing humility and joy in giving. Following these steps, our offerings echo Manoah’s redirected sacrifice—rising straight to the Lord, accepted and pleasing in His sight. |
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