Bible Pathway - Feb. 15, 2012
Read Numbers 7:1
Highlights:
Picture in your mind the awesome, overwhelming, massive array of animals, tribal leaders, and offerings. Where were they all heading? Why were they bringing these huge offerings? Don't miss reading this chapter.
And the Lord said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the Altar (Num. 7:11).
The princes of the tribes had already brought large, sacrificial gifts for the construction of the Tabernacle (Ex. 35:27-28). And again they willingly brought huge offerings to help meet the needs of the Levites. They gave wagons and oxen to the Levites who were responsible for transporting the Tabernacle and all its furnishings. This made their work easier.
The princes (leaders) of the tribes could not participate in the duties of the Tabernacle, but through their offerings, they were able to assist the Levites in their sacred responsibilities. Since they could not hold positions of prominence, as did the Levites, they could have shown contempt or a jealous spirit and given little or nothing to them.
Since the procedures for the offerings were exactly the same, it may seem monotonous to read all the details which were given for each offering. But the repetition of these offerings reveals the significance God places on every sacrifice given to support His ministry. Individual gifts and offerings may not seem important to man, but they are to God! He prizes each separate gift because it expresses the offerer's love for Him. He records every act of service — every cup of cold water given in His Name.
As a Christian faithfully gives to the Lord's work, both his desire to give and his ability to give are increased. He experiences the joy of giving, and his faith increasingly grows as he responds to the Truth of the Word of God.
The gift that will please the Lord most is our personal commitment to love Him above all else. And the blessing of the Lord is upon those who give unselfishly — even to the undeserving and unworthy.
The crucifixion of Christ was the greatest of all sacrifices. It was by his unselfish love that we have been redeemed. And it is His love that prompts us to give true, freewill offerings.
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).
Thought for Today:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7).
Christ Revealed:
Through the voluntary offerings of the leaders which were sufficient to meet the needs (Num. 7). Jesus gave His life to meet our every need. My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
Word Studies:
7:13 charger, large dish; meat, grain, meal, cereal.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Sierra Leone (5 million) in western Africa • Major language: English • Increasing restrictions on Christian work in some areas • 50% belief in river spirits, medicine men, and witchcraft; 39% Muslim; 7% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: During times of trouble, pray constantly and ask for patience (Rom. 12:12).
Optional Reading: Luke 2:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:18
