While there is a lot of repetition here, all these gifts dedicating the Tabernacle bring honor to God. The tribes weren’t trying to outdo each other by bringing a grander sacrifice, and they brought their dedication offering in an orderly fashion. The focus was where it should be–on dedicating the LORD’s presence among them.
What did you notice in this reading? Did you get lost in the accounting for the gifts, trying to imagine where all these animals came from? Suffice it to say that at this point in history living in the wilderness, even the carts presented would have been a great luxury. The tribes acknowledged God as worthy of their sacrifices.
Rather than summarize the days of dedication, the repetition accentuates several things: (1) each tribe’s allegiance to God; (2) each tribe’s individual opportunity to celebrate and bring honor; (3) each gift was important; and (4) there was a unity of purpose. What attention to detail! Ceremonies and rituals had been accepted by the tribes as God had ordained.
The people were generous yet humble in their giving. Do we still have that kind of attitude when the offering plate is passed to us? I’ve often heard people grumble about churches who seem to always ask for money. That wasn’t my experience in church, except for maybe during building fund drives when our congregation was looking to expand the facilities to reach more people.
The closest thing we have today to the Tabernacle dedication offerings are times set aside for offering during each worship service. Have you ever thought about how what you put in the plate is honoring God’s presence in your life? If more people had that mindset, we’d have a lot more happy givers and fuller offering plates.
God’s presence in our lives isn’t contained in a tabernacle anymore. The Bible gives us all sorts of examples. Let’s reflect on a few today to positively affect our giving mindset.
Deuteronomy 31:8: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Joshua 1:9: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Next time you are given the opportunity to give an offering to the LORD, remember it is giving thanks for his presence in your life. How those gifts are used by the church or faith-based organization will surely be blessed by God. Remember these twelve days of giving and the mindset of the givers.
Let’s pray. Lord, you challenge me every day with your truth. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what you are trying to reveal, but today it is to check my spirit of giving. Thank you for how you provide for me. May I be a good steward of all your gifts. Continue to speak through me and use me for your kingdom work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
