What other scriptures emphasize the importance of honoring God with our best? Honoring God with Gold: 2 Chronicles 3:7 “ He also overlaid the house with gold—the beams, the thresholds, its walls, and its doors—and he carved cherubim on the walls.” (2 Chronicles 3:7) Solomon spared no expense. Gold-plated beams and hand-carved cherubim declare that the Lord deserves the finest craftsmanship and materials. Scripture repeats this theme from Genesis to Revelation—God is to receive our very best, never leftovers. Firstfruits and Flawless Offerings: Foundations in the Law • Genesis 4:4 – “Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” • Exodus 12:5 – “Your lamb must be an unblemished male, a year old.” • Leviticus 22:21 – “If anyone presents…a fellowship offering to the LORD…he must offer it without blemish or defect to be accepted.” • Numbers 18:29 – “You must present the best part—the holy portion—from all the gifts you receive.” • Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Examples of Extravagant Devotion • 1 Chronicles 29:2-3 – David gives personal treasures of “gold for the gold objects” for the future temple. • Exodus 35:20-29 – Every skillful Israelite brings fine linen, precious stones, and spices for the tabernacle “whose heart moved him.” • John 12:3 – Mary pours a pint of pure nard on Jesus’ feet; the house is “filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” • Mark 12:44 – The widow’s two small coins: “she, out of her poverty, has put in all she had to live on.” Prophetic Warnings against Second-Rate Worship • Malachi 1:8 – “When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong?… Try presenting them to your governor—would he be pleased with you?” • Malachi 1:14 – “Cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock…yet sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord.” The prophets remind us that cutting corners in worship is insulting to God’s greatness. New-Covenant Applications: Our Lives as the Offering • Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual service of worship.” • 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” • Hebrews 13:15-16 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Living It Out Today • Give God the first slice of your income, not the leftovers. • Offer time and talents—serve with excellence, preparation, and joy. • Guard purity and integrity; a holy lifestyle is a modern “unblemished lamb.” • Worship wholeheartedly; engage mind, body, and voice. • Approach every task—studying, working, parenting, volunteering—as an act of gold-plated devotion to the King. From Solomon’s gilded beams to the widow’s two copper coins, Scripture is consistent: God is worthy of our best because He first gave His best in sending His Son for us. |
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