TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

Please read Numbers 7:10-17,84-88

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Let them present their offering, one leader each day, for the dedication of the altar.”

Numbers 7:11

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

What’s with the uniform offering? What does this teach us? The first thing that comes to mind is when attending a wedding, a wake, or a birthday celebration, sometimes we ask our friends or siblings, “How much “ang pao” are you giving?” “Ang Pao” literally means red envelope. It is a monetary gift given during special occasions. We would ask how much to balance the amount we are giving, more or less. We do not want to be the ones to give the least amount, nor do we want to upstage others by giving too much. 

In Numbers 7, it seems like God set the required offering for each tribe. 

We see that although the 12 tribes differed in terms of population, position, and purpose in the camp, on this occasion, they made equal contributions to both God and the nation.

This brings two lessons to mind—first, our contribution, and second, God’s requirement.

First point: in the body of Christ, we are all important; 1 Cor 12 teaches us that. The pastor, the churchgoer, the usher, the praise and worship leader, and the church administrators all play a part in God’s church. One cannot say to the other; I don’t need you. (v. 21). 

The second point is regarding what the Lord requires. We bring what He requires. Here in Numbers, God’s requirements were silver plates, gold bowls, oxen and sheep. When Jesus came the requirement was made simpler. 

John 6:28-29 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

Young, old, male, female, rich or poor: the requirements are the same. “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

 

PRAYER