GIVING BACK TO GIVE FORWARD
JUNE 4, 2025
TEXT: This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons. (Numbers 18:9)
Martin Luther said, “If we consider the greatness and the glory of life we shall have when we have risen from the dead, it would not be difficult at all for us to bear the concerns of this world. If I believe the word, I shall on the last day, after the sentence has been pronounced, not only gladly have suffered ordinary temptations, insults, and imprisonment, but I shall also say, O that I did not throw myself under the feet of all the godless for the sake of the great glory which I now see revealed and which has come to me through the merit of Christ.” God instructed the Israelites to bring their tithes and offerings to the Tabernacle, which were for the consumption of the priests. Nevertheless, God required the priests to return part of what they received to the temple for the High Priest’s use. This demonstrated God’s intention to ensure that the priests themselves gave out of what they had been given, underscoring His commitment to providing for the priesthood’s welfare, particularly the High Priest’s. By instituting this cycle of giving and receiving, God emphasized the importance of service and generosity, demonstrating His desire for His chosen people to embrace a spirit of selflessness and devotion to others, creating a society that mirrored His divine character.
The wisdom of Scripture echoes through the ages, resounding in our hearts and guiding our lives even today. The principle of giving—that is, offering our best to the Lord and for His work—remains steadfastly relevant. As members of the church, we are called to support the ministry through our tithes and offerings. But this giving is not just a one-way street. The leaders of the church must also give, investing a portion of the resources that have been entrusted to them into the growth and development of God’s work. This act of generous reciprocity is not only Scriptural but also a reflection of our faith and trust in God’s goodness and provision. By giving our best to the Lord, we affirm that we believe in His power to sustain and multiply our offerings, transforming them into tools for the advancement of His Kingdom on earth. This principle of giving is not a demand but an invitation. An invitation to participate in the work of God, an invitation to step into the flow of His blessings, and an invitation to experience the abundant life that He has promised to those who love Him. And let us not forget that on the final payday, the Lord will reward those who have been faithful with their offerings.
SEARCHLIGHT: Giving back to God and the church through tithes and offerings demonstrates our trust in God’s provision and our desire to participate in His work on earth.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to embrace the spirit of giving that You have demonstrated in Your Word. Give me the heart of a giver, a heart that is quick to offer and slow to receive.
BIBLE READING:
Psalms 5-7, 2 Timothy 3
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
