Numbers 28

“The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Command the Israelites and say to them: Be sure to present to Me at its appointed time, My offering and My food as My fire offering, a pleasing aroma to Me.’” Numbers 28:1-2 (HCSB)

I grew up in a church environment where people spoke of “giving to the Lord” in two terms: Tithe and Offering. The tithe was defined as giving 10% of one’s income, which was considered the minimum required to donate. An offering was defined as anything over and above the tithe.  

If you were to add up all the tithes and offerings in the Torah, you would find yourself giving over 60% of your income. Part of the reason for this high number is that Israel was a “theocracy.” The religious leaders ran the government, social relief, courts, the army, etc.

Statistics indicate that most “churchgoers” give less than 10% of their income. As a matter of fact, about 20% of church members foot the bill for 80% of the ministry. This statistic is roughly the same as the percentage of wealthy Americans who pay the most taxes. It may be easy to disdain the rich, but they’re toting the note for the rest of us.

What I find interesting in this chapter is how “offering” begins close to the heart and then radiates outward. The prescribed offerings begin with daily devotion. From there, it grows to weekly, monthly, and annually. I don’t believe the Lord listed these offerings in this order arbitrarily.

People who devote themselves to daily personal worship are likelier to attend weekly church services. In addition, they are more likely to volunteer in the church on a monthly scheduled basis. Of course, they will celebrate the yearly holidays. And it will be more special to them because it is a continuance and culmination of how their lives are consumed with worshipping the Lord throughout the year!

On the other hand, if we don’t offer ourselves daily, we have a decreased chance of being consistent with weekly worship. Our lesser commitment means we probably won’t volunteer and commit to any scheduled service. Sadly, annual holiday attendance winds up being burdensome and often filled with guilt.

Where your investment is, there your heart will be. Every day and everything belongs to Him. So, out of gratitude for all that he has done for you, offer yourself and your possessions freely in response to His Word.