This fall, I’m studying Leviticus, and the opening three chapters are singularly focused on various animal sacrifices the children of Israel were commanded to make. One thing that jumped out at me in examining the early portions of the book is how God accommodates those who are poor. Everyone in Israel was commanded to bring offerings to God, but some had more than others. Some would have gifts that were better than others. This did not matter to the Lord. Some could bring a cow, others a lamb, others still a goat, or even just a pigeon. So be it. What do you have? Bring it, and don’t worry about what others have or what others bring.
When animals were brought, over and over the Leviticus text says that the fat of the animal was offered to the Lord. In the case of peace offerings, where some of the sacrifice was eaten by the worshiper, the part that was given to God included the best and choicest of the animal. The worshiper made due with what was left over.
Today, we do not bring animal sacrifices to the Lord, but we still make offerings. We still give gifts, and the principle of Leviticus remains in effect: Give God the best, not the rest. Give God what’s right, not what’s left.
Likewise, even though the fat and innards of a goat would be of lesser value than those of a sheep or a cow, if that was what the worshiper had to give, so be it. The worshiper was not judged for having a goat vs a cow. For both animals, God demanded the best. So it is with the offerings we make today. Whether you have a lot or a little, the principle is the same: Give God the best of what YOU have, and don’t worry about someone else’s best.
If you do that, your gift will be received with gladness of the Lord, and blessings will come.
~Matthew