The king
contributed from his own possessions for the morning and evening burnt
offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, at the New Moons and at
the appointed festivals as written in the Law of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 31:3
There are
lots of reasons. For starters, people
need good examples of giving and sacrifice from others. King Hezekiah gave from his own pocket first
and the others followed.
He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due
the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 31:4
People
need to be told what to do and the church is wary of telling people to give,
for their own good. Giving is a command,
done freely in terms of the amount of expression. Giving is a blessing and people should be
allowed this honor.
In
Hezekiah’s time the people immediately gave generously for months, piling their
offerings in heaps.
Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; and Azariah
the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began
to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat
and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is
left over.” 2
Chronicles 31:9-10
When God sees
this kind of generosity, it sparks blessing and blessing sparks more
giving. As the offerings are correctly
distributed to those in need and those who deserve it for their hard work, God
is pleased. It begins with the heart,
doing what is good, right and faithful before God. God loves wholehearted devotion and
obedience. Blessings will follow.