How does Josiah's generosity in 2 Chronicles 35:7 inspire our giving today? Setting the scene 2 Chronicles 35 records one of the most glorious Passovers since the days of Samuel. At the center stands King Josiah, who, after rediscovering the Book of the Law, leads Judah back to covenant faithfulness. His personal contribution sets the tone: “From his own flocks and herds, Josiah provided the people with 30,000 lambs and kids and 3,000 cattle, all for the Passover offerings.” (2 Chronicles 35:7) What makes Josiah’s gift remarkable? • Personal: “from his own flocks and herds”—not public funds • Lavish: 30,000 sheep/goats + 3,000 cattle—an immense, literal number for a single feast • Purposeful: every animal aimed at facilitating corporate worship • Contagious: the leaders who served under him followed suit (2 Chronicles 35:8-9) Timeless principles for our giving 1. Recognize ownership • Psalm 24:1—everything already belongs to the Lord. Josiah models stewardship, not mere philanthropy. 2. Give first and personally • Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits…” • His example shows leaders go first; influence flows from personal sacrifice. 3. Give proportionally and sacrificially • Luke 21:1-4—the widow’s mites teach that the measure is sacrifice, not raw amount. Josiah gives what fits a king; we give what fits our means. 4. Fuel worship and gospel mission • 2 Corinthians 9:12—our gifts supply needs “and overflow with many thanksgivings to God.” Josiah’s livestock let an entire nation celebrate Passover; our giving funds Christ-centered ministry that invites others to worship. 5. Inspire community generosity • Hebrews 10:24—“spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Josiah’s act galvanized priests, Levites, and officials to open their own storehouses. Our obedience can ignite the same ripple effect today. Motivations that sustain generous hearts • Gratitude for redemption – Passover recalled liberation from Egypt; our giving flows from the greater deliverance in Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Joy in obedience – 2 Corinthians 9:7—“God loves a cheerful giver.” Josiah wasn’t coerced; his heart was aligned with God’s commands. • Confidence in divine provision – Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38—Scripture promises God’s blessing when we hold possessions with open hands. Practical takeaways for today • Set aside a “first portion” in your budget each month before any bills are paid. • Look for opportunities that directly advance worship, discipleship, evangelism, and mercy. • Lead by example—parents, ministry leaders, employers—so those under your influence see tangible faith. • Track stories of how your local church or ministry partners use the funds; celebrating fruit keeps generosity joyful. • Periodically reassess giving levels as God enlarges your resources (1 Timothy 6:17-19). The greater King we follow Josiah’s livestock pointed to a far greater sacrifice: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). The One who gave His own life now indwells believers, enabling us to give freely. When we mirror Josiah’s generosity, we echo the heart of the King who “did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32). Living it out • Hold possessions lightly, seeing them as tools for worship. • Act promptly when the Spirit prompts—delayed obedience dampens zeal. • Expect God to multiply kingdom impact in ways beyond what you can calculate. Following Josiah’s pattern, our giving becomes a joyful, contagious declaration that the Lord is worthy and His people are loved. |
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