Day #258 - The Offering
The Presence - A Devotional for living in Thanksgiving, Worship and Wonder
“The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.”
Exodus 25:1-2 NIV
Have you ever been apart of something with others that you could not do on your own?
I enjoy being a part of a church. Its incredible what can happen when we all do our part to contribute to the community of the church. Every church does something together that none of us could do alone. Building church gives us a place for God to dwell among us and for all of us in the body of Christ to contribute our own unique part that blesses the whole.
The Lord spoke to Moses that there was to be an offering from the heart unto the Lord. He says their offering goes to Him. Our giving is an act of worship. Giving is not first to the church but its to the Lord. The giving here was going to build the tabernacle so that “the Presence” might dwell among them. We see this today that the giving of our finances, our time and our devotion as the body of Christ, creates a dwelling place for Him to rest among us.
Each of the first gifts that God told the Israelites to bring reveal the Lord Jesus in Exodus 25:1-7.
1st Name………… The Lord………………His Title
1st Metal……………..Gold…………….His Divinity
1st Color……….Blue………..His Heavenly Majesty
1st Woven Material….Linen…….His Righteousness
1st Skin……………….Ram…………………His Will
(Stands Alone)……Acacia Wood……..His Humanity
1st Ingredient………..Oil…………….His Anointing
1st Stone………Onyx………..His Wisdom and Glory
Everything that we give should be for Christ Jesus and a reflection of Him. He is worthy. All of the offerings of our life in the church are to make us a place where Christ is among us. Our giving and our contribution brings us into “the Presence.” “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them (Exodus 25:8).” He has made us His people, when we bring together what He instructs we make a place for Him to be with us in His manifest presence.
Lord Jesus, dwell among Your people. Show me where I need to give of my time, my talents and my treasure to contribute to Your body, Your church. May my offerings reflect Christ and may Your church be built up to reflect Christ to the world. Above all Lord Jesus, be glorified and may Your manifest presence inhabit us that all might know Your glory. In Your name, amen.