An Expectation!

"If I had more, I would give." Have we heard such a statement made or made it ourselves? Though the amount of our giving or the nature of what is given may relate to what we have (note 2 Corinthians 8:12) isn't there something we all can give? How much does it cost us to give some encouragement or a hug? Or how about a listening ear or service of some kind? Yes, that may cost some time, but when we humbly acknowledge those being our own need at times, are not others worth the investment as well?

Under the Mosaic Law, every high priest was appointed with the expectation they would "OFFER GIFTS AND SACRIFICES." ( Hebrews 8:3) Other priests assisted him in that function. When Jesus came as the High Priest of a different order on our behalf, He also was to have "SOMETHING TO OFFER." ( Hebrews 8:3) At that time there was still a priesthood offering gifts according to the law. ( Hebrews 8:4) Jesus' ministry was of one described as being "much more excellent" than the old. ( Hebrews 8:6)

When we consider what we have become in Christ, we too have been called on to give. Remember Peter's acknowledgement of what we collectively are in Christ. We read. . .

"(9) But you are a chosen race, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (10) Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." ( 1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV) [note also 1 Peter 2:5]

Under the law given to Moses, everyone had to take their offering to the PRIESTS WHO OFFERED them. Through Jesus the Son, God provided the sufficient means of dealing with our sin "once for all when HE OFFERED UP HIMSELF." ( Hebrews 7:27) But as a "ROYAL PRIESTHOOD" who through Christ pray directly to the Father, what is the expectation of OUR OFFERING?

Jesus asserted. . .
"(23) And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him DENY HIMSELF and TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY and FOLLOW ME. (24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (25) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself.'" ( Luke 9:23-25 ESV)

And Paul exhorted. . .
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." ( Romans 12:1 ESV)

SOMETHING TO GIVE under the Old, THEY GAVE sacrifices. SOMETHING TO GIVE in moving from the Old to the New, JESUS GAVE Himself. Under Christ we too have SOMETHING TO GIVE; OURSELVES!

We may have money to give and the work of the Lord needs that kind of support. We may have abilities that can further the work of the Lord and we ought to be good stewards of them to His glory. However, all of that begins through the GIVING OF OURSELVES back to God. Regardless of economic status, if we have our life, WE HAVE ENOUGH TO GIVE! May we not be guilty of holding any aspect of it back from Him Who has given it.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING THE EXPECTATION OF OUR OFFERING!
Carl

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