02.04.2016 Old Testament: Exo 34.19–20

To read the Bible in a year, read Exodus 34–36 on February 4, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

The Lord our God gives us everything. In return, He wants the firstfruits. He stressed this to Israel,

“All that open the womb are Mine, and every male firstborn among your livestock, whether ox or sheep. But the firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you will not redeem him, then you shall break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. And none shall appear before Me empty-handed” (Exodus 34.19–20). 

The firstborn of animals they offered as sacrifices. Obviously, the Lord did not want them to kill their sons, thus, they had to redeem them, the parents had to offer other sacrifices in place of their sons.

The point is in that last sentence: Israelites were not to appear before the Lord empty-handed. Nor should Christians today. Every time you go to worship, bring a gift. How can we say we have worshiped, if we have not brought a sacrifice, such as our financial contributions?

Do you only get paid once a month? First thing you should do is write checks for every Lord’s Day, or put cash in envelopes with dates on them, so that you will have the money to give. Do whatever you have to do to fulfill your obligation to the Lord.