Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. Exodus 25:2
Today’s text is not speaking of the various tithes and sacrifices that were required as part of the Jewish system of worship and service to God. The verse is introducing the collection of all of the materials and labour for building the tabernacle that would be the dwelling place for God among His people. The verse makes it clear that these offerings were willingly from the hearts of a thankful and a worshiping people. These offerings have a parallel in today’s age of grace.
The offerings that are taken during our worship services do not exactly match the tithes required of the Israelites, despite the claims of some misguided and greedy denominations. Some Christians regard the tithe as a good guideline for their giving; that is their exercise before the Lord and is good for them. The closest to a scriptural rule for giving is ‘as the Lord hath prospered’ (1 Corinthians 16:2). Monetary offerings are a very personal conviction for each believer. But there is a more important offering that the Lord desires of us.
Just as an Israelite would bring an offering of something the Lord had blessed him with that he wanted to give back to the Lord, so today’s worshipper will bring something from the Lord to return in worship. Listen as each brother rises to express his worship and you will learn what that brother has received of the Lord concerning His Christ. Appreciation and praise will flow as the offerings of the hearts of the saints are expressed.
Do you have an offering for God today? -Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/qxWbT8WKxWk