What role do offerings play in maintaining a relationship with God today? Leviticus 23:18—A Picture of Costly Devotion “Along with the bread, present seven unblemished male lambs a year old, a young bull, and two rams, as a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” • The Feast of Weeks required more than the firstfruits of grain; it demanded animals, grain, and drink—every category of daily provision. • “Unblemished” underscored God’s worthiness of the best (cf. Malachi 1:7–8). • The aroma was “pleasing”—God welcomed His people through these gifts. From Ancient Altar to Present Heart—Continuity and Fulfillment • Christ fulfilled the sacrificial system once for all (Hebrews 10:10, 14). • Fulfillment does not cancel the principle of offering; it redirects it. – Burnt offerings → wholehearted surrender (Romans 12:1). – Grain offerings → thanksgiving for daily bread (Colossians 2:6–7). – Drink offerings → poured-out lives (2 Timothy 4:6). • 1 Peter 2:5: believers are “a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Offerings Today—Five Ongoing Purposes 1. Worship and Gratitude • Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” • Giving acknowledges God as the source of everything. 2. Atonement Remembered • The cross is the once-for-all atoning offering; every gift now points back to that finished work (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Regular giving keeps the gospel central. 3. Dependence and Trust • Malachi 3:10 links tithes with trusting God to open the windows of heaven. • 2 Corinthians 9:8 promises sufficiency for the cheerful giver. 4. Fellowship and Mission • Offerings financed temple fellowship then; today they fuel local church ministry, missions, and care for the needy (Acts 2:44-45; Philippians 4:15-18). 5. Formation of the Heart • Matthew 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Regular, intentional generosity trains affections toward God. Practical Ways to Live It Out • Set aside “firstfruits” giving—choose a percentage before other expenses. • Give locally and globally: church budget, missionaries, relief work. • Offer time and abilities alongside finances—both belong to the Lord. • Cultivate a thankful mindset: list provisions God supplied this week, then give in response. • Re-evaluate giving whenever income changes to keep it sacrificial, not token. Closing Encouragement God still delights in “a pleasing aroma.” Through Christ the barrier is gone; offerings no longer secure acceptance, yet they remain a joyful means of expressing love, trust, and partnership with Him. As we place our resources on the altar, we experience deeper fellowship and keep our lives aligned with the Giver of every good gift. |
    |