How does Numbers 7:23 demonstrate the importance of giving to God's work today? Setting the Scene “one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old for a burnt offering;” (Numbers 7:23) What the Offering Tells Us about Giving • Precise: God specifies each animal. Giving is never random; He notices amounts and kinds (Mark 12:41-44). • Costly: A bull, ram, and lamb represented real wealth. Genuine giving costs something of value (2 Samuel 24:24). • Purposeful: These animals fueled burnt offerings, advancing Israel’s worship. Gifts today advance God’s kingdom work (Philippians 4:15-17). • Public: Numbers 7 records each leader’s gift by name. Faithful generosity encourages the whole community (Hebrews 10:24). Principles for Today’s Believer 1. Give intentionally – Plan your giving; don’t leave it to leftovers (1 Corinthians 16:2). 2. Give sacrificially – Offer God your best, not what costs nothing (Proverbs 3:9). 3. Give for God’s glory, not personal applause – The spotlight in Numbers 7 falls on obedience, not self-promotion (Matthew 6:3-4). 4. Give regularly – Every tribal leader participated; consistency builds collective strength (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Encouragement from Other Passages • Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe… and test Me in this,” says the LORD. • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • Acts 4:34-35 – Early believers laid gifts at the apostles’ feet so that “no one among them lacked anything.” Living It Out This Week • Review your resources; set aside a first-fruits portion for gospel ministry. • Look for needs in your local church or missionary partners and meet one of them. • Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness in giving to encourage another believer. |
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