How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our daily lives? Scripture focus “and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, for a peace offering.” (Numbers 7:35) Why this verse matters • Each tribal leader brought the very same costly gift—no shortcuts, no substitutions. • The list is precise, reminding us that worship involves obedience down to the details. • Every animal meant real value leaving someone’s herd. These offerings hurt the pocketbook, yet they delighted the Lord. Timeless principles behind the gift • Sacrifice is intentional: they prepared in advance. • Sacrifice is generous: it exceeded basic requirements. • Sacrifice is worship: peace offerings were shared with God, priests, and people, turning giving into fellowship (Leviticus 7:15). • Sacrifice is joyful: the Hebrew root for “peace offering” (shelem) springs from shalom—wholeness, flourishing. Tracing the thread through Scripture • 2 Samuel 24:24—David: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Mark 12:41-44—The widow’s two small coins outweighed surplus riches. • Romans 12:1—Whole-life giving: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8—Cheerful, abundant sowing leads to abundant harvest. • Hebrews 13:16—Doing good and sharing are “sacrifices pleasing to God.” Bringing sacrificial giving into daily life 1. Start with the heart • Ask: “Does this gift reflect gratitude or obligation?” • Replace “How much do I have to give?” with “How much can I give while still trusting God to provide?” 2. Prioritize firstfruits, not leftovers • Set giving into the budget before entertainment or extras. • Automatic transfers or envelopes can keep God first. 3. Let generosity touch every arena • Finances: tithes, offerings, surprise blessings to others. • Time: visiting the lonely, mentoring a teen, serving at church even when schedules squeeze. • Talents: free professional help, music, construction skills—whatever God placed in your hands. 4. Choose gifts that cost something real • Skip a luxury and redirect the money. • Fast a meal and give the grocery savings. • Sacrifice comfort—open your guest room, drive farther to serve. 5. Make it worship, not show • Keep most gifts quiet (Matthew 6:3-4). • Celebrate God’s provision in testimony, not self-promotion. 6. Maintain joy • Record answered prayers and changed lives that flow from your giving. • Remember Philippians 4:18—Paul calls sacrificial gifts “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Encouragement for the giver The Reubenite prince parted with valuable animals, yet the tribe lacked nothing. In the same way, God multiplies surrendered resources: “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). Sacrificial giving is not loss; it is sowing seed in fields God promises to bless. |
    |