Thank Offering

Thought of something today.

Why are offerings so boring?

Put 10% in the plate at church. Or a couple extra bucks when there is a special event or need. Seems like that is what drives giving- a need. Give because someone needs it. Mark the envelope to make sure the money goes toward a legitimate need.

I've done it plenty of times.

So I was thinking today. Why do you never hear of other kinds of offerings? God's people had burnt offerings, wave offerings, drink offerings, grain offerings, fellowship offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, ordination offerings, freewill offerings, thank offerings, reminder offerings, festival offerings, and dedication offerings. What do God's people have now? A little plate the makes its way through church on Sunday mornings.

When I think about the Old Testament offerings, I think of all the people gathered at the temple. The priest, the knife, blood on the altar and the offering burning for the people's sins. Christ has come so offerings are fulfilled right? But what about something like a thank offering?

Psalm 107 is about various people in distress that call out to God and are saved. In verse 21 this is the response to His salvation: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy."

God doesn't need any offering from me. He doesn't need my offering to do His work. He doesn't require an offering.  The only reason I have to offer anything is because of what He has done. Out of gratitude. So why not do more than the status quo? Why not make every offering I give be a thank offering? I challenge you to consider this idea.

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.