We usually don’t go to a birthday or wedding party without bringing along a gift. Since we were invited to share in the joy of the occasion, it is our privilege to shower with gifts to those whom honor is deserved.
The Feast of Tabernacles was party-time for the Israelites to celebrate God’s generosity and faithfulness! Gathering as a nation, they brought freewill offerings to God; reflecting on how much God had blessed them in the year that had passed. God commanded them never to come before Him empty-handed.
The MNC is our party-time. Hooray! We have so much to catch up on, and to share with one another. We look forward to the times of teaching and celebrations of praise. One important element of the MNC is taking time to give thanks to the Lord. Let’s not come empty-handed.
This is not limited to just bringing a financial offering. Some of us may have acquired a new gift or talent which can be offered to edify the church. Some of us may have seen growth in our business or ministry – we can bring the “first fruits” before the Lord. Some may want to fast and pray for the remaining days prior to the MNC; to make intercession as an offering to the Lord. A few of us may take this opportunity to say to the Lord, “Here I am, use/send me!”
There are many innovative ways we can bring our freewill offerings to the Lord. Let’s take stock of the blessings we have received from the Lord, and joyfully bring a freewill offering that would honor Him proportionately.
(Deu 16:16-17 NIV) Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: {17} Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.
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