What role do offerings play in maintaining a relationship with God today? The scene in Numbers 31:54 “Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD.” • Israel’s commanders freely brought a portion of war-plunder to God. • The gold was deposited “as a memorial,” a tangible reminder that victory and blessing came from Him. • The offering was housed in the very center of worship—the Tent of Meeting—so every future worshiper would see it and remember God’s faithfulness. Why this matters today Even though the sacrificial system was fulfilled in Christ, offerings still: • Mark our gratitude for God’s victories in our lives. • Keep His provision and deliverance visible in the community of faith. • Re-orient our hearts toward the Giver rather than the gifts. Offerings as memorials of God’s faithfulness Numbers 31:54 shows three enduring principles: 1. Recognition—an offering acknowledges that success, income, and resources originate with God (James 1:17). 2. Remembrance—placing the gold in the Tent ensured continual testimony (Psalm 105:1-5). 3. Relationship—God invited His people to participate personally in worship; offerings were a two-way expression of love (Deuteronomy 16:16-17). Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and ongoing giving • Jesus made the final sin offering (Hebrews 10:12-14). No gift we bring adds to that atonement. • Yet the New Testament still speaks of material offerings: – Philippians 4:18: “I am amply supplied… the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” – Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Acts 10:4: Cornelius’ “alms have ascended as a memorial offering before God.” • Today’s offerings shift from covering sin to celebrating grace, fueling ministry, and displaying love (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). Practical expressions of offerings today • Regular tithes and freewill gifts to the local church (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2). • Support for missions and gospel advance (Philippians 4:15-17). • Compassion to the poor, widows, orphans, and persecuted believers (Proverbs 19:17; Galatians 2:10). • Hospitality, time, and talents given as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). • Spontaneous thank-offerings when God answers prayer or grants success (Psalm 116:12-17). Guardrails for heart-filled giving • Cheerful, not reluctant (2 Corinthians 9:7). • First and best, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Done in secret when possible, seeking God’s approval alone (Matthew 6:3-4). • Coupled with obedience and justice; God rejects hollow gifts (Isaiah 1:13-17). How offerings keep our walk vibrant • They preach the gospel back to us—reminding us that God gave first (John 3:16). • They uproot greed and foster contentment (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • They align our priorities with eternity (Matthew 6:19-21). • They sustain the gathered church, missions, and mercy, allowing more people to encounter Christ (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). • They knit believers’ hearts together in shared sacrifice and joy (Acts 2:44-47). Offerings, then, remain a living “memorial” before the Lord—just as in Numbers 31:54—continually pointing us back to His victory, His provision, and His unmatched generosity toward us in Christ. |
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