How can we discern what offerings God desires from us in modern times? Listening First: The Command Comes from God “Moses also told the entire congregation of the Israelites, ‘This is what the LORD has commanded:’ ” (Exodus 35:4). • The starting point for every offering is the clear, objective word of God. • God—not human opinion—initiates and defines acceptable worship (Leviticus 10:1-3). • Modern discernment begins by turning to Scripture, not to personal preference. Not Forced but Willing: The Heart God Invites • Verse 5 continues, “Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring this offering to the LORD.” • God looks for voluntary response, never manipulation (2 Corinthians 9:7). • A willing heart springs from gratitude for redemption (Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 12:1). Principles That Transfer to Today • Alignment with revealed truth—no offering contradicts Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • Willingness and joy—God treasures cheerful generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Excellence—Israel brought the best materials; believers offer quality time, gifts, and abilities (Colossians 3:23). • Purpose—offerings further God’s dwelling among His people; today they advance the gospel and serve the saints (Philippians 4:15-18). • Holiness—gifts come from clean hands and pure hearts (Psalm 24:3-4; Psalm 51:17). New-Covenant Expressions of Acceptable Offering • Living sacrifice: daily obedience of body and mind (Romans 12:1-2). • Praise and thanksgiving: fruit of lips that confess His name (Hebrews 13:15). • Doing good and sharing: tangible help to others (Hebrews 13:16). • Financial support for ministry and the needy (Philippians 4:18; Acts 4:34-35). • Service through spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Surrendered plans and ambitions (Luke 9:23). A Pattern Repeated in Scripture • Abel’s firstborn offering—valued because it matched God’s revealed requirement (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4). • David’s declaration—“I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). • The widow’s mites—small in amount, rich in devotion (Mark 12:41-44). • Mary of Bethany’s perfume—lavish love that honored Jesus (John 12:3). • Macedonian believers—overflowing generosity despite poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Steps for Personal Discernment 1. Search the Word daily to see what God has commanded. 2. Ask the Spirit to shape motives toward cheerful willingness. 3. Evaluate resources—time, talent, treasure—in light of kingdom priority. 4. Choose offerings that actively declare the worth of Christ and bless His people. 5. Follow through immediately, just as Israel brought their materials that very day (Exodus 35:21-22). |
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