What other scriptures highlight the significance of offering willingly to God? Exodus 35:7: A Snapshot of Willing Generosity • Here we read of the materials—“ram skins dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood”—brought for the tabernacle. The items matter, yet the chapter repeatedly stresses the heart behind the gifts (vv. 5, 21, 29). Earlier in the Wilderness: God Invites, Not Forces • Exodus 25:2 – “Tell the Israelites to take an offering for Me. From every man whose heart compels him you are to take My offering.” • Exodus 35:21 – “Everyone whose heart was stirred and whose spirit was moved came and brought an offering to the LORD.” • Exodus 36:6–7 – The people give so freely that Moses has to stop them. The Law’s Pattern of Freewill Giving • Leviticus 22:29 – “When you sacrifice a thank offering to the LORD, sacrifice it so that you may be accepted.” • Deuteronomy 16:10, 17 – Feast offerings “in proportion to how the LORD your God has blessed you… Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able.” • Deuteronomy 15:10 – “Give generously to him, and do so without a grudging heart.” Israel’s History: Leaders and People Rejoice in Willing Gifts • 1 Chronicles 29:9, 14, 17 – David and the people “offered willingly… from Your own hand we have given… You delight in uprightness.” • 2 Chronicles 29:31 – After temple renewal, “all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings.” • Ezra 2:68 – Returnees give “freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God.” Wisdom & Worship Literature Emphasize the Heart • Psalm 54:6 – “Freely I will sacrifice to You.” • Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth… then your barns will be filled.” Prophetic Reminder of Blessing and Accountability • Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe… see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” (Contrast Isaiah 1:11-17, where offerings without a right heart are rejected.) New Testament Continuity: Cheerful, Sacrificial Giving • Mark 12:43-44 – The widow’s two coins: small amount, huge willingness. • Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35 – Early believers sell property and share “as anyone had need.” • 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 – Macedonians give “beyond” their ability, “of their own accord.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.” • Philippians 4:18 – Gifts from the church are “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” • Hebrews 13:16 – “With such sacrifices God is pleased.” • Romans 12:1 – The ultimate offering: “present your bodies as living sacrifices.” Key Threads Running Through Scripture • God looks at willingness before amount. • Offerings flow from gratitude for His provision. • Willing gifts bring joy to givers and glory to God. • The pattern never changes—from tabernacle to church—the Lord delights in hearts that give freely. |
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