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Offerings Speak Loudly!

Exodus 29:1 “This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect.”

We worship God with our offerings because they are sermons without words. After building the tabernacle from the people's freewill offerings, it was time to set apart Aaron and his sons for the holy ministry. Exodus 29 provides details about the ordination service of the first priests in Israel. Interestingly, Moses, the leader, did not deliver a special speech or preach a sermon for this occasion. But one thing was prominent, offerings of various kinds: Sin-offering, a burnt offering, and wave offering. What were the messages conveyed by these offerings?

The sin offering was for the atonement of sin. The priests were reminded that they needed God’s grace and forgiveness to qualify for their duty. The burnt offering was burned completely on the altar. It pointed to the total commitment that was required from those called to service. Finally, wave offering was presented in a waving-type motion, elevated and swung to and fro toward heaven. It symbolizes the priest’s dedication to God’s service and about God’s provision for those who sacrificed themselves in service to Him. Through these multiple offerings, they learned the true meaning of their ordination.

Do we have some doubts about the pertinence of worshipping God with our offerings? If a local church already has enough financial resources to support its ministries, should it maintain offerings as an element of the worship service? Offerings have a value far beyond monetary. Offerings are sermons without words. They represent acts of worship and convey essential spiritual lessons. Among other things, they remind us of God’s gift of salvation, His daily blessings, and our adequate response of total commitment. It would be unwise to silence God’s voice by renouncing from practicing offerings. This week as we worship with our tithe and regular offerings let us be attentive to God’s voice.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Evergreen Pathfinder Club registration is now open!  Parents, To access registration forms please text PMCEP to 269-281-2345. Staff, to register by text, text EPSTAFF to 269-281-2345. We look forward to the Pathfinder 2022/2023 year with you!

Would you like to be a blessing to someone during difficult times? Sign up to be placed on the list to donate food for funeral receptions. This is an easy way to share and such a blessing for the families. Call the church office at 269-471-3133 (Heidi Ha) with your name and phone number or email them to members@pmchurch.org.

Register now for an uplifting and spirit-filled weekend at Camp au Sable. The annual District Nine Family Camp is Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, 2022. Application materials can be found at http://districtnine.wix.com/home.