How can we apply the principles of sacrificial giving in our lives today? An Offering Recorded “and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, for the peace offering. This was the offering of Nahshon son of Amminadab.” — Numbers 7:17 What We Learn From Nahshon’s Gift • Substantial: livestock that represented real wealth. • Specific: God named the exact animals and quantities. • Voluntary worship: Peace offerings were given freely out of gratitude (Leviticus 3). • Corporate blessing: The animals fed priests and worshipers, strengthening the community. Timeless Principles 1. Give what costs something (2 Samuel 24:24). 2. Give as God directs, not as impulse dictates (1 Corinthians 16:2). 3. Give with thankfulness, celebrating fellowship with God (Psalm 116:17). 4. Give in ways that bless others, not merely ourselves (Hebrews 13:16). Echoes in the New Testament • Luke 21:1-4 — The widow’s two coins: value measured by sacrifice, not amount. • Romans 12:1 — Offer your bodies “as a living sacrifice.” Our whole lives become gifts. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — God loves a cheerful giver and supplies seed to the sower. • Philippians 4:18-19 — Paul calls financial help “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice.” Practical Ways To Live It Out Today • Budget generosity first, not last—treat giving as a “firstfruits” line item (Proverbs 3:9). • Choose concrete amounts that stretch faith rather than spare change. • Give where spiritual nourishment is received: local church, missions, those in need (Galatians 6:6-10). • Include non-monetary gifts: time, skills, hospitality, mentoring. • Celebrate giving days: make offerings moments of joyful worship with family or friends. • Anonymous giving when possible to guard the heart from pride (Matthew 6:3-4). Heart Checks Before Giving • Is my motive gratitude or obligation? • Am I trusting God to meet my needs after I give (Malachi 3:10)? • Does this gift reflect the worth of Christ, who “loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2)? • Am I reconciled with others so my offering is not hindered (Matthew 5:23-24)? Promises Attached To Sacrificial Giving • “Sow generously, reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). • “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). • “Your Father… will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). • “God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). Living Sacrifices Today The altar has moved from Tabernacle courts to daily life. Every dollar, hour, and decision can echo Numbers 7:17—freely offered, precisely given, joyfully shared, and gratefully received by the Lord who first gave everything for us. |
    |