What role do offerings play in our relationship with God, according to Exodus 29:28? The Verse at a Glance “ ‘It shall belong to Aaron and his sons as their perpetual portion from the Israelites, because it is a contribution. It is to be a contribution from the Israelites from the sacrifices of their peace offerings—an elevation offering to the LORD.’ ” (Exodus 29:28) Context: Ordination Day and the Peace Offering • Exodus 29 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons for priestly service. • God sets apart part of the peace offering—the breast and thigh—as “an elevation offering to the LORD,” then assigns it to the priests. • The arrangement is “perpetual,” revealing a pattern meant to endure. What Offerings Communicate About Our Relationship with God • They affirm that God owns everything. Giving back a portion declares His ultimate ownership (Psalm 24:1). • They demonstrate covenant loyalty. Israel’s perpetual contributions show ongoing commitment, not a one-time gesture (Deuteronomy 12:6-7). • They sustain God’s appointed servants. By providing for the priests, the people honor the One who called those priests (Numbers 18:8-11). • They create fellowship. The peace offering was eaten in God’s presence, picturing shared communion between the Lord, His priests, and His people (Leviticus 7:15). • They elevate worship from private feeling to concrete action. Tangible gifts make invisible devotion visible (Proverbs 3:9-10). Key Lessons for Today • Worship includes substance, not sentiment alone. “Honor the LORD with your wealth…” (Proverbs 3:9). • Supporting gospel ministers remains a biblical expectation (1 Corinthians 9:13-14; Galatians 6:6). • Giving is perpetual, not occasional: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum…” (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Offerings flow from peace with God already secured—never to buy peace, but to celebrate it (Romans 5:1). A Glimpse Ahead to Christ • Jesus, our High Priest, fulfills the priestly system yet still receives our offerings through ministry to His body (Hebrews 7:24-27). • Believers now present “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5), while continuing to share material gifts (Hebrews 13:15-16). Putting It into Practice • Regular, joyful giving keeps our hearts anchored to God’s ownership. • Intentional support of faithful ministers obeys the “perpetual” principle. • Every gift—financial, practical, or relational—becomes an elevation offering when presented to the Lord with gratitude. |
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