Moment With The Master
“They Offered Willingly”
Categories: Moment With The MasterThen the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the Lord; and King David also rejoiced greatly.” (1 Chronicles 29:9)
One of the closing acts of David’s life was to call on the nation to make an offering toward the building of the temple. Such a project was one that David wished to accomplish himself, but God‘s answer was “no.“. But as civil and religious leader of the nation, David called a solemn assembly to offer adoration and praise for the acquisition of those items necessary to accomplish the task.
When called upon, the people offered willingly and eagerly. Such generosity came out of a loyalty to David and the Lord. Every child of God is a servant and worker for the Lord. Such service and gifts must be motivated by a devotion to Jehovah. God considers the heart of every giver.
A heart truly devoted to God will result in generous giving. “With a loyal heart they gave willingly. “ Nothing is gained until all the barriers of indifference are broken. Only then will one be fully devoted to serve.
Such gifts come from perfect hearts. They gave out of humility, and not out of a desire to draw attention to self. Such giving is an act of self denial, when the heart is given to advancing the cause of the kingdom of God.
When they gave they did so out of their own substance and according to their ability. The gifts were costly and generous. Such liberality will prompt joy in the heart of each participant. They are glad that they were able to participate in the work of God.
This liberality was accompanied with gladness and rejoicing. And David blessed the Lord with adoration before the assembly. (vs. 10-14) The attributes of God are celebrated with reverence. God’s name is blessed. David acknowledges his own unworthiness before God. And he is grateful that God has provided the means of their generosity.
This day was one the happiest in all the history of Israel. Any concerns about the nation’s future were placed aside for this moment of rejoicing. There are fewer scenes more beautiful than when God’s people offer willingly their lives and resources to the service of God.
By George Slover
