Bible Pathways - Feb. 15, 2009
February 15
Highlights In Today's Reading:
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? Does God give attention to our individual offerings? Don't miss reading this chapter.
It is significant that all the details were given each day for each offering even though the offerings were exactly the same. The repetition may seem uninteresting and monotonous or unnecessary but it reveals the pleasure of God in each sacrifice from His people. God is always observant of the gifts presented to Him to bring Him honor and glory and maintain His ministers. Paul explained that such gifts bring fruit that may abound to your account (Phil. 4:15-17).
The giving of gifts and offerings may not seem important to us, but they are to God. In this one chapter, the word offering is mentioned more than 60 times. That reveals how very important our tithes and offerings are to God. Some may ignorantly neglect tithes, not realizing that it is the key that God had chosen: I will . . . open . . . the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Mal. 3:10). God records every act of service, every gift given to encourage us to give more in order to receive His best blessings.
The princes of the tribes had already liberally sacrificed for the construction of the Tabernacle (Ex. 35:27-28); they had given the wagons and the oxen for moving it from place to place (Num. 1:1-9). Then they gave their gifts for the dedication of the altar.
It was after giving all these gifts that we read: Moses was gone into the Tabernacle of the Congregation to speak with Him (the Lord) . . . and He spake unto him (7:89). The Lord spoke to Moses: I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee . . . of all things which I will give thee in Commandment unto the children of Israel (Ex. 25:22).
Giving to God always results in further blessings. As Christians develop faith by giving to the Lord's work, both our desire to give and our ability to give are increased. Our desire to give is increased for we experience the joy of giving; and we increasingly prove the integrity of the Word of God, for God loveth a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7). Give and it shall be given to you full measure, pressed down and overflowing (Luke 6:38).
God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love. . . . And then He shall reward every man according to his works (Heb. 6:10; Matt. 16:27).
Thought for Today:
God gives each Christian varying spiritual opportunities and responsibilities (I Cor. 12:7-11). Everyone is equally important in the eyes of God.
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 Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Duane & Mary Ann Seaburg • Government Official: Rep. Terry Everett (AL) • Country: Belgium (10.2 million) in northwestern Europe • Major languages: Flemish and French • Religious freedom • 74% Catholic; 3% Muslim; 1% Protestant; .5% Orthodox; 20% Secular Humanism; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Confess wrongs you have committed to the Lord and to those whom you have hurt; ask for forgiveness (Matt. 5:23-24).
Optional Reading: Luke 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9
