Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Offering


The word “offering” is very interesting. In today’s society most would say it’s what you bring (skills, talents, materials) into a situation. In most churches would say it’s what you put in the collection plate. We’ll spend a few days looking at what the Bible has to say about it.

In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus is at the Temple where people bring their offerings. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

The word “Offering” is by Strong’s definition: The act of: bringing to; setting before; sacrificing; presenting; a gift.

It is used 728 time in the Bible, most (over half) in Leviticus and Numbers. In the Old Testament it deals with the sacrificial system set in place by God and performed by the priest in the Temple.

It is used only 23 times in the New Testament. Where it is about: Giving, Involvement, and Relationship.

Be wise today - consider your offering.