Why is it important to maintain reverence for what is dedicated to God? Setting the Scene “If anyone eats a sacred offering unintentionally, he must add a fifth of its value to it and give the holy offering to the priest.” • A “sacred offering” is property devoted exclusively to the Lord. • Even an accidental misuse required restitution plus 20 %—a tangible reminder that holy things are not common things. Core Principle: God Owns What Is Holy • The passage affirms that what is dedicated to God remains His property. • Mishandling His property—whether by carelessness or ignorance—calls for immediate correction. • Reverence is demonstrated by safeguarding what is His, honoring His ownership. Scriptural Reinforcement • Numbers 18:32 – Priests warned not to “profane the holy gifts.” • Malachi 1:6–8 – Israel rebuked for offering blemished sacrifices, treating holy things lightly. • Acts 5:1–11 – Ananias and Sapphira suffer judgment for lying about a gift dedicated to God. • Hebrews 12:28–29 – “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 – Believers themselves are God’s temple; defiling what is holy has serious consequences. Consequences of Irreverence • Spiritual: Sin disrupts fellowship with God and dulls sensitivity to His presence. • Communal: Irreverence influences others to lower their view of God (cf. Romans 14:13). • Personal: Discipline or loss of blessing may follow (Hebrews 12:6). • Testimonial: The watching world questions God’s greatness when His people treat holy things casually. Practical Implications Today • Worship gatherings: Guard against turning services into performances; focus on God’s glory. • Stewardship: Tithes, offerings, and resources earmarked for ministry should be used solely for that purpose. • Sacraments: Observe the Lord’s Supper and baptism with thoughtful preparation (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). • Daily life: Our bodies and time are “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1); avoid habits that trivialize them. • Speech: Speak of God’s name and Word with respect, never as filler or entertainment. Maintaining Active Reverence • Remember ownership—everything dedicated to God is His alone. • Regularly examine motives: “Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23). • Restore quickly: When failures occur, repent and make restitution where needed, just as Leviticus 22:14 commands. • Teach the next generation: Pass on a sense of awe for God’s holiness (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). • Celebrate grace: Reverence does not crush joy; it deepens it, keeping worship both glad and grounded. By treating what is God’s as holy, believers honor His character, protect their own witness, and experience the fullness of fellowship that comes from walking in obedient awe. |
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