“Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the leaders of the tribes and over those who were numbered, made an offering.”

Numbers 7:2 (NKJV)

So many of God’s instructions on worship in the tabernacle involved bringing offerings. This was the way they worshiped God. In this chapter we see the tribal leaders bringing carts and oxen for the Levites to use in transporting the tabernacle. They also bring dedication offerings of silver and gold items, grain offerings, and animal sacrifices. There is no indication that God commanded them to give these offerings. They were purely voluntary.

These are the kinds of offerings that God desires. He does not need the blood of bulls and goats. But when we give to God our time, talent or treasure from a willing and generous heart, then it shows that we love Him. The greatest offering we give to God is ourselves.

Sometimes I will buy one of my grandsons some candy. It is always a joy when he willingly wants to share it with me. He doesn’t have to; I don’t ask for it. But his delight in sharing with me delights my heart. I think God must feel the same way when we give back to Him some of what He has given us.

David prayed:

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!”

1 Chronicles 29:14 (NLT)

What do we have that we can give back to God? This is a deep and sincere expression of our love for Him.

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash