July 14, 2023
Topic: GIVING BACK TO THE OWNER – 2
Text: PSALM 50:5-14
Memory Verse: “Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and your father’s house would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained. 1 Sam 2:30.
Ps 50:12-14 says a lot. God pointed out what is required when we give to Him. He said, “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bull, or drink the blood of goats? Sacrifice thanks offerings to God, fulfil your vows to the Most High” God looks beyond our gifts. He is looking at the giver – his heart, his attitude and much more.
Giving to God must not be treated as though He is a beggar or in need of our gifts, sacrifices or offerings to survive. When people brag about their gifts or donation to churches or ministries, they have no reward because God does not need their gifts in the first place. Our sacrifices do not make God richer neither does our not giving make Him poorer. God looks not only at the gift but also at the giver’s heart and attitude towards him through his giving.
This was revealed when Cain and Abel brought their offerings to God. Gen 4:3-5 says, “In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favour. So, Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.” NIV
God rejected Cain and his sacrifice but accepted Abel and his sacrifice. The giver comes before the gifts. It can be inferred from the gifts of Abel, that he honours God. He decided to bring of the fat portion and of the firstborn to God. This was not said about Cain’s offering. We cannot claim to honour God and treat his offering with disdain. Our gift to God must show that we also honour him as the Owner and Creator of all things. When we honour Him, he will in turn honour and bless us.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help me never to dishonour you by thinking wrongly when I have the opportunity to give. Help me to honour you as the Owner of all things in giving to you.