AN OFFERING
Today’s Reading: Numbers 7
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Sheep grazing on the hillside by the Sea of Galilee. The Children of Israel brought all their sheep and other livestock with them from Egypt into their wilderness journey.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 7:1-3
Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them. Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the leaders of the tribes and over those who were numbered, made an offering. And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered carts and twelve oxen, a cart for every two of the leaders, and for each one an ox; and they presented them before the tabernacle.
Today’s reading may make us wonder as to why it’s here. It is so repetitive. The gifts which the leaders of the tribes present to God at the dedication of the Tabernacle are listed 12 times over. Could a reason be to show generosity? Could another reason be to teach the children what it means to take responsibility as the heads of households? God instructs parents to show leadership, teaching, not only in word, but by example. If we, as parents, are givers, chances are that our children will also be givers.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, You are the greatest Giver, and according to Your Word, You live in and through me. Please grant me the grace to channel Your Spirit of giving through me. In Your Name I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I believe that the most grievous evil in God’s sight is the slaughter of the precious little lives still in the womb. We have a granddaughter who entered Brisbane Australia as newborn when her parents were employed at our Expo ’88 Pavilion there. She came 13 weeks early. Today she has a heart for young girls and has developed an amazing curriculum for 11-13 year-old girls. Every life matters! (click here for Rachelle’s ministry, Princess 911). In Canada and the USA, a little body like hers (at the time of her birth) can be ripped apart in the womb by cruel instruments of death and even crueler people. The main question for us is, “Who will be most committed to protecting these amazing new lives?”
Yours for the great joy of living,
David