What can we learn about worship from the offerings in 2 Chronicles 15:11? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 15 recounts King Asa’s reform after the prophet Azariah urged Judah to seek the LORD. Verse 11 records their act of worship once God granted victory: “ At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from all the plunder they had brought back.” (2 Chronicles 15:11) Worship Springs From God’s Deliverance • They offered “from all the plunder they had brought back.” The praise followed the rescue—gratitude, not obligation. • Psalm 116:12 – 14 mirrors this: “How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me? … I will fulfill my vows to the LORD.” Our worship is always a response to grace already shown. Bringing Our Best, Not Our Leftovers • Seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep represent serious wealth. Worship cost them something tangible (2 Samuel 24:24). • Romans 12:1 calls believers to present bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Whole-hearted, costly devotion remains God’s pattern. Corporate, Unified Worship • The nation sacrificed together. Worship wasn’t private religion but shared celebration (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Unity magnifies praise: “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3). Stewardship of God-Given Resources • The animals came “from all the plunder.” They recognized God as the true owner of their gain (1 Chronicles 29:14). • 2 Corinthians 9:7—cheerful giving acknowledges God’s provision and fuels worship today. Purity Precedes Praise • Earlier in the chapter Asa removed idols (vv. 8–9). They didn’t mix holy and profane; cleansing came before sacrificing. • Psalm 24:3–4 reminds us: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Joy-Filled Celebration • The sheer scale of the offering signals joy, not drudgery. Verse 14 adds they “took an oath … with loud shouts, with trumpets and rams’ horns.” • Hebrews 13:15 calls this “the sacrifice of praise.” Worship involves exuberant expression befitting our great God. Lessons We Carry Forward – Respond to every victory—big or small—with intentional worship. – Give God the first and finest portion, demonstrating His worth. – Gather with fellow believers; worship is designed for community. – Hold possessions loosely, offering them back as stewards. – Pursue personal holiness so our praise rings true. – Let joy, not mere duty, fuel the sacrifice of praise. The offerings of 2 Chronicles 15:11 remind us that authentic worship is costly, communal, grateful, pure, and overflowing with joy—a timeless pattern for hearts eager to honor the LORD today. |
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