How can we apply the principle of giving our best to God today? A Snapshot of Dedication: Numbers 7:86 “The twelve gold dishes filled with incense weighed ten shekels apiece, according to the sanctuary shekel. All the gold of the dishes weighed 120 shekels.” • Twelve identical, costly gifts—no tribe tried to out-give or under-give the others. • Gold vessels and fragrant incense signaled quality, beauty, and wholehearted worship. • The weights were measured “according to the sanctuary shekel,” showing precise obedience to God’s standard, not human guesswork. • The account is historical and literal; the events happened exactly as recorded, revealing God’s unchanging expectations regarding offerings brought into His presence. Why the Principle Still Matters • God’s worthiness has not diminished; He still deserves offerings that reflect His supreme value. • The New Covenant does not lower the bar; it elevates worship from a single altar to every corner of life (Romans 12:1). • Giving our best guards the heart from casual, leftover religion (Malachi 1:8). • It reminds us that all we have already belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). Everyday Ways to Give Our Best • Firstfruits, not leftovers – Give the first portion of income, not the remainder (Proverbs 3:9). – Offer Him the fresh part of the day—unhurried time in Scripture and prayer. • Excellence in work and study – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). – Deliver quality, honest labor even when no one is watching; God is. • Gracious speech – Words seasoned with grace and truth (Ephesians 4:29) function like incense in modern settings. • Stewardship of talents and spiritual gifts – Employ gifts “as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). – Serve in the local church with preparation and joy, not last-minute scraps of effort. • Generosity toward people in need – Share resources freely, echoing the widow who “put in everything she had” (Mark 12:44). – Set aside a planned portion (2 Corinthians 9:7) so giving is intentional, not impulsive. • Purity and integrity – Offer bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). – Guard eyes, ears, and thoughts; God still measures by His own holy standard. Scriptural Echoes That Reinforce the Call • 2 Samuel 24:24 — David refuses to offer God “burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • Hebrews 13:15-16 — Sacrifice of praise and doing good pleases God today. • Philippians 4:18 — Generous gifts are “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Encouragement for Moving Forward • Remember the gospel: Christ first gave His best—Himself—so we can now give back freely (2 Corinthians 8:9). • Measure offerings by God’s scale, not cultural convenience. • Expect joy; wholehearted giving expands worship beyond Sunday into every moment. |
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