What other scriptures highlight giving God our best offerings? Key Verse—Numbers 18:29 “You must present the LORD’s contribution from all the best of every gift, the sacred part of it.” The First and Best in the Law • Genesis 4:4—“Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” • Exodus 23:19—“You are to bring the best of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the LORD your God.” • Leviticus 22:20-21—“You must not present anything with a defect… it must be without blemish to be accepted.” • Deuteronomy 15:19-21—Firstborn animals were set apart for God, unblemished. • Deuteronomy 26:2—“Take some of the firstfruits of every crop… go to the place the LORD your God will choose.” Historical Snapshots of Costly Devotion • 2 Samuel 24:24—David insists on paying: “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” • 1 Kings 8:62-63—Solomon’s temple dedication with thousands of perfect sacrifices. • 1 Chronicles 29:3-5—David gives personal treasure “over and above” for the temple. Wisdom & Prophets: God Notices Quality • Proverbs 3:9-10—“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest…” • Malachi 1:8—Blind and lame sacrifices condemned: “Try offering them to your governor!” • Malachi 3:10—“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” New Testament: Beyond Tithes to Total Surrender • Mark 12:43-44—The widow’s two coins: “she… put in all she had to live on.” • John 12:3—Mary pours costly nard on Jesus; the fragrance fills the house. • Romans 12:1—“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • 2 Corinthians 8:3-5—The Macedonians “gave themselves first to the Lord,” then their resources. • Hebrews 13:15-16—Sacrifices of praise, doing good, and sharing please God. • Colossians 3:23-24—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as for the Lord.” Putting It All Together • God consistently asks for firsts and bests, not leftovers. • Quality matters—blemished gifts reveal a divided heart. • True generosity flows from devotion; we first give ourselves, then our resources. • Every arena—time, talent, treasure, praise—can become a sacred offering when presented wholeheartedly. |
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