How can we ensure our offerings to God are pure and pleasing? Setting the Scene: The Lesson of Ezekiel 20:26 “And I pronounced them unclean through their gifts—the sacrifice of every firstborn—that I might devastate them so they would know that I am the LORD.” Israel’s gifts became the very means of their uncleanness because they ignored God’s clear commands (Exodus 13:2) and copied pagan practices (Leviticus 18:21). Their hearts were far from Him, so even the most expensive offering only provoked judgment. What Pollutes an Offering? • Disobedience to revealed commands (Deuteronomy 12:31) • Idolatrous motives—giving to impress people or manipulate God (Matthew 6:1–2) • Offering the “leftovers” instead of the first and best (Malachi 1:8) • Unrepentant sin in the giver (Isaiah 1:13–15) • Broken relationships left unreconciled (Matthew 5:23–24) Timeless Principles for a Pure Offering • Obedience over ritual—“Obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • Integrity of heart—“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17). • Firstfruits, not scraps—“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). • Whole-life surrender—“Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • Justice and mercy—“Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). • Joyful generosity—“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Love for neighbor—“With such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). Putting the Principles into Practice 1. Examine your motives before you give; repent of any hidden idol (2 Corinthians 13:5). 2. Set aside the first portion of income, time, and talents for the Lord, not what is left after everything else is paid. 3. Keep short accounts—seek reconciliation quickly so bitterness never taints worship (Matthew 5:23-24). 4. Match generosity with obedience: honesty in business, purity in relationships, faithfulness in service. 5. Let every act of giving flow out of gratitude for the gospel, not guilt or pressure. 6. Include “sacrifices of praise” continually—words that honor Christ in private and public. Serious Warnings to Heed • Polluted offerings dishonor God and invite discipline (Malachi 1:10). • Hypocritical worship nauseates heaven (Isaiah 1:13). • If we persist, God may hand us over to our own desires, just as He did in Ezekiel’s day (Ezekiel 20:25-26; Romans 1:24). The Perfect Offering That Makes Ours Acceptable Jesus, “the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15), was given for us. Through His once-for-all sacrifice we draw near with confidence. Every pure and pleasing offering we make today is simply a grateful echo of His greater gift (Ephesians 5:2). |
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