How can we ensure we "appear before Me empty-handed" in our worship today? Text Overview “None shall appear before Me empty-handed.” (Exodus 23:15) Historical Context • Spoken in the midst of the three annual pilgrimage feasts (Unleavened Bread, Harvest, Ingathering) when every Israelite male was to stand before the LORD in Jerusalem. • The offering recognized God as Deliverer, Provider, and King; it was never optional, never casual. • Bringing something tangible guarded the people from forgetting who supplied every harvest and every breath. Principle Behind the Command • God’s worthiness demands an answer of honor (Psalm 96:8). • Offerings embody thanksgiving and dependence (Deuteronomy 16:16-17). • Worship without sacrifice quickly slides into ritual without relationship (Isaiah 29:13). What Does It Mean Not to Come Empty-Handed Today? 1. Tangible stewardship – “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) – Regular, proportionate giving (1 Corinthians 16:2). 2. Whole-life surrender – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” (Romans 12:1) – Time, talents, influence, hospitality—all placed on the altar. 3. Verbal praise and thanksgiving – “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) 4. Acts of mercy – “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) Practical Ways to Bring an Offering • Set aside first income, not leftovers; automate generosity so worship gatherings aren’t decision time but celebration time. • Serve regularly in your local church—teach, greet, run sound, disciple youth. • Plan hospitality: invite newcomers, missionaries, neighbors in need. • Prepare a testimony of God’s faithfulness to share publicly; let your words be an offering. • Arrive for worship early, pray for leaders and fellow believers—bring intercession as a gift. Heart Attitudes God Desires • Cheerful: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Faith-filled: “Test Me… and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven.” (Malachi 3:10) • Humble: recognizing everything already belongs to Him (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Grateful: gratitude fuels generosity; ingratitude closes fists. Encouragement and Promise • God multiplies what is laid at His feet (Luke 6:38). • Offerings become “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) • When we refuse to come empty-handed, we experience the joy of partnering with His purposes and the assurance that He supplies every need (Philippians 4:19). |
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