Bring an Offering

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” (I Chron. 16:29) “…God loveth a cheerful giver.” (II Cor. 9:7)

Most folks do not understand the Biblical precept and purpose of bringing an offering before God. The teaching that comes from the Holy Scriptures is to give God praise, glory, and worship due Him; but also in the midst of these it is equally taught to bring an offering before Him, because it also is due Him. As our text reveals, bringing an offering is part of the glory due Him. For one to come before the LORD empty-handed is to deny God the glory due Him.

This verse (29) comes out of the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving Psalm King David gave to Asaph. The whole thought out of the psalm is for one to be thankful unto the LORD for all His wondrous works and His great salvation. Is He not due the fullness of our gratitude? Listen, God does not need us, and He certainly is not going to go bankrupt if someone does not bring an offering. God has created everything; all is His to possess. Graciously the Father gives unto us all that we have. Are we then misers of thanksgivings?

“Will a man rob God?” (Mal. 3:8) The offerings are a measure of the thanksgivings of one’s heart. It is a window into the reality of their true relationship with the Father. Understand it is not the amount of what is given; it is the percentage of what one has received of God. Jesus speaking of the rich and the poor widow: “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mk. 12:44) Which do you suppose gave the greater glory due the Name of the LORD? Which do you suppose robbed God of the glory due Him?

One cannot truly worship God if he comes before Him empty-handed, because it is evidence of an evil heart. Worship in the beauty of holiness requires a sacrificial thanksgiving offering that is suitably due the Holy God of our worship. Come with thanksgiving!