IT HAS A DIVINE PURPOSE
Exodus 25:2, 8-22
In our previous reading we saw how God commanded Israel through Moses to bring offerings to him. He gave instructions on the type (cash or materials), quality and the attitude of giving. He emphasized willing heart and individual disposition. We have seen earlier from the relevant psalm that offering is part of our worship: it cements divine – human relationship while acknowledging the supremacy of divinity as the source of all we are and have.
But what purpose does offering serve? Here God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant. Your offering is not a charity affair. No it has a divine purpose. Just as the offering in our scripture reading was specifically to construct the tabernacle and the Ark, your offerings today are used for the running of the church and the advancement of the kingdom. Now let’s take a mental survey of the church you belong to. There are buildings, vehicles, furniture and other assets to purchase, construct, rent and maintain. There are personnel salaries to pay. There are bills – water, electricity & Association fees (CAN, PFN, Landlords etc) that the church as a corporate citizen must attend to.
Besides these, the church has other responsibilities. The greatest is the advancement of the gospel. Crusades must be held. Missionaries must be sponsored. Evangelism on social and regular media is essential. There are also corporate social responsibilities expected of the church. What about educational and health institutions? Charity events for host communities?
All the aforementioned require funding. The funds won’t come from unbelievers. They are also not likely to come from believers from other churches either (except God specifically instructs someone outside the congregation). No sir. No Ma. Funding of church projects and activities will come from the people within the church. And that means you. Yes you. As God is blessing you, you should show gratitude to God by being part of what God is doing in your local assembly. Are they building? Let your money be there? Are they buying instruments or acquiring property? Be part of it.
What about the welfare of ministers and church workers? Many of them on full time are subsisting on meager allowances the church could afford. These and many more are your responsibility. So when next you are giving offering, think on these. Give tangible offering in church. Pay accurate and regular tithes. Be part of project and activity funding. You are advancing the kingdom by doing so. When you do these, you are giving to God.
PRAYER: Lord I am available to you. Make me a financier of kingdom projects. As you bless me Lord, you can count on me.
