Numbers 7:32-37: a reflection

32one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense; 33one young bull, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; 34one male goat for a sin offering; 35and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur. 36On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, 37gave his offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

As the tribal leaders bring their offerings for the dedication of the tabernacle, each brings not a small or token gift, but a full and generous offering: a heavy silver platter and bowl, a golden ladle of incense, and a substantial array of animals for the various sacrifices. Each leader gave generously and wholeheartedly, bringing a full offering to God, not a sparing or grudging one. Their gifts to God were substantial, given with fullness of heart, a generous offering brought to the LORD.

Notice the generosity of the offerings: each brought a full and substantial gift. The leaders did not bring the least they could, a token gesture; they brought generous, substantial offerings, giving to God fully and wholeheartedly. Their giving was not sparing or grudging, but full, reflecting hearts given wholly to God. Each brought a generous offering, holding nothing back, giving God a substantial gift. Their offerings showed hearts that gave to God generously, not sparingly.

That generous giving is worth taking to heart, for we can give to God sparingly, holding back, rather than generously and wholeheartedly. We can give to God the least we can, a token, a small portion grudgingly given, rather than a full and generous offering; but the leaders brought substantial, wholehearted gifts. God is worthy of our generous, wholehearted giving, not our sparing, grudging portions. Do not give to God sparingly or grudgingly, holding back; give to him generously and wholeheartedly, as the leaders brought full offerings to the tabernacle. Let your giving to God be generous and wholehearted, reflecting a heart given wholly to him, rather than sparing or grudging, as each tribal leader brought a substantial, generous offering to the LORD; for God is worthy of our full and generous giving, not the least we can hold back.

Lord, as the tribal leaders bring their offerings for the dedication of the tabernacle, each brings not a small or token gift, but a full and generous offering: a heavy silver platter and bowl, a golden ladle of incense, and a substantial array of animals. Each leader gave generously and wholeheartedly, bringing a full offering to you, not a sparing or grudging one. Their gifts were substantial, given with fullness of heart. Show me the generosity of the offerings: each brought a full and substantial gift. The leaders did not bring the least they could; they brought generous offerings, giving to you fully and wholeheartedly. Their giving was not sparing or grudging, but full, reflecting hearts given wholly to you. Each held nothing back. Take that generous giving to my heart, for I can give to you sparingly, holding back, rather than generously and wholeheartedly. I can give you the least I can, a token, a small portion grudgingly given, rather than a full and generous offering; but the leaders brought substantial, wholehearted gifts. You are worthy of my generous, wholehearted giving. Keep me from giving to you sparingly or grudgingly, holding back; help me give to you generously and wholeheartedly, Lord, as the leaders brought full offerings. Let my giving to you be generous and wholehearted, reflecting a heart given wholly to you.