How do I know what to give? As a pastor, I have heard this question asked many times. Sometimes it comes from a sincere heart, searching to know an appropriate amount to give to the Lord. At other times, however, the question is more cynical, carrying a mercenary motive, looking for the most affordable gift possible.
Numbers 28 and 29 detail what kind of offerings ought to be presented to the Lord at the Tent of Meeting each day and during the holy festivals. The people did not have to wonder or guess or venture on their own. God made it clear to them what was required in His Word.
We do not have that luxury - or responsibility to follow something so well-enumerated. Yet looking to the biblical evidence that we have of sacrificial offerings can help inform our patterns of giving as well. The Bible does help us answer the question of generosity with the examples that it contains.
We find many different instances of offerings in the Bible. Giving began early, with sacrifices by Cain and Abel. One made an acceptable sacrifice; one did not. These circumstances led to the first murder (Genesis 4:1-8) What led only one offering to be "regarded" by the Lord? God said, "If you do well, will you not be accepted?" (Genesis 4:7)
Doing well when it comes to giving ought to be our aim. Abraham, our father in the faith, gave a tenth to the priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). This act was the forerunner of the tithe (a biblical principle that I personally consider to be the best standard or guideline when it comes to giving.)
Giving continues into the New Testament, with many in the early Church encouraged to give it ALL away (the "rich young ruler," Barnabas, etc.) I believe there is value in wrestling with this very important question as we attempt to honor God in our giving by listening to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.
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