Day 314
Leviticus 7:1
"Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy."
The Old Testament was full of types and shadows of what was to come. In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of Old Testament types and shadows. As we study the Old Covenant, we can gain greater understanding of the new.
In Leviticus, we see instructions for the ministers of the tabernacle in regards to the various offerings the Israelites had to bring to enjoy the benefits of their covenant with God. There was the trespass offering, the sin offering, the peace offering, the thanksgiving offering and more. If we think we have a lot of offerings to give today, we should read about the offerings required in the Old Testament. Besides the offerings they gave regularly, special vows and special offerings were given during set feasts. Numbers 29 describes the offering they had to give every year on the first of every seventh month. Then, Numbers 29:39 reads, 'These things ye shall do unto the Lord in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings and for your peace offerings."
An offering is not an offering without the tithe having been given first. After the tithe, every other gift is considered an offering.
Offerings were a form of worship in the Old Testament. The people did not haphazardly bring their sacrifices and drop them off for the priests and Levites to use them to sustain the temple and its workers. Specific guidelines were followed, as they worshiped God with their gifts. They were told to say something specific when they brought their tithes. In their confessions, they exalted God as their savior and honored Him as their source. When we give to God today, there is no reason for us to change this aspect of worship. Our offerings can be more meaningful if we would understand the reasons people gave offerings in the past, and the manner in which they presented their gifts. When we give an offering, we should not just put money in the offering receptacle. We should worship God as we give. Jesus was the fulfillment of all the offerings of the Old Covenant. He was the final sacrifice. As we give now, we can thank God for all Jesus accomplished for us. All our offerings should be offerings of thanksgiving. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, we do not have to make separate offerings to receive forgiveness from trespasses and sins or to receive the peace of God. He received all those things for us at Calvary. Each time we give, we need to thank God for all He has blessed us with through Jesus Christ.
Let us improve the richness of offering time for ourselves and for our God. Let us give willingly, with gladness of heart and with thanksgiving. Every offering time should be a celebration time.
The experience of giving tithes and offerings will become a richer time for me and the Lord. The relationship I have with God motivates me to give. I will worship God, as I willingly bring what I have to offer with thanksgiving and gladness. I will celebrate my Lord as I give.