How can we honor God with our "right thigh" offerings today? The Right Thigh Offering in the Old Covenant • Leviticus 7:32 – “You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offerings.” • Numbers 18:18 – “Their meat belongs to you, just as the breast of the wave offering and the right thigh belong to you.” • The right thigh was the choicest cut, reserved for God’s servants, symbolizing gratitude for His peace and provision. Foundational Principles That Carry into Today • God deserves the first and best portion of every blessing He grants (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Provision for those who minister the Word flows from God’s design (Deuteronomy 18:3; 1 Corinthians 9:11-14). • Tangible offerings express thanksgiving, covenant fellowship, and trust in the Lord’s ongoing care (Hebrews 13:15-16). Modern Expressions of a “Right Thigh” Offering • Financial generosity that prioritizes the kingdom before personal extras. • Regular, cheerful giving that supports pastors, missionaries, and gospel workers. • Sharing resources with fellow believers in need, mirroring the communal meal of the peace offering. • Setting aside prime time in the weekly schedule for worship, service, and discipleship, not leftover moments. • Dedicating unique talents or professional skills to advance Christ’s mission rather than keeping them solely for career advancement. Practical Ways to Put This into Practice • Build giving into the budget as a non-negotiable “first slice,” not the last. • Sponsor or adopt a missionary family, covering a key expense such as health insurance or school fees. • Invite church leaders for a meal, honoring them with hospitality that reflects the premium portion once reserved for priests. • Volunteer prime hours—when energy is highest—in children’s ministry, outreach events, or community mercy projects. • Donate high-quality items instead of worn cast-offs, demonstrating that God receives excellence. • Establish an annual review of income, time, and abilities, intentionally increasing the portion devoted to kingdom purposes. Heart Posture Behind the Offering • Joyful obedience, recognizing that every gift first came from God (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Gratitude, celebrating reconciliation and peace secured through Christ, our ultimate peace offering (Ephesians 2:13-14). • Faith, trusting that God multiplies what is surrendered and meets every need (Philippians 4:19). • Humility, crediting God for the capacity to give rather than showcasing personal generosity (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). When the best portion of resources, time, and skills is intentionally set apart for the Lord and His servants, believers today echo the right thigh offering, honoring God with tangible, wholehearted devotion. |
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