Fast of Daniel-Day 5

Two Kinds of Offerings

The Ark of the Covenant was taken by the Philistines during the war against Israel. It symbolized the glory of Israel.

During the 7 months that the Philistines kept the Ark, they were struck by diseases, death and plagues.

The Ark of the Covenant was sacred. It represented the presence of God among His people, just like tithes and offerings do nowadays. Those who keep them for themselves are subject to spirits that will bring upon them curses. This is why God tells His people to bring their tithes and offerings to His house and right after that, He promises to rebuke the devourer. This is the curse or plague that consumes those who steal.

Burdened by the curse brought upon them for stealing the Ark, the Philistines finally decided to give it back to Israel. They turned to their priests and diviners for advice on how to return it. Even though they served evil, they knew that without a guilt offering the plague would not end.

Therefore, they said: “…According to the number of the lords of the Philistines. For the same plague was on all of you and on your lords. Therefore you shall make images of your tumors and images of your rats that ravage the land, and you shall give glory to the God of Israel...
I Samuel 6:1-5

Sacrificial guilt offerings are mandatory.

King David had to sacrifice to remove the curse of plagues that fell upon the people of Israel.

God had to sacrifice His Son Jesus to remove the curse of sin from mankind.

Those who want to be filled with the Holy Spirit must sacrifice their will, their desires and their life to receive Him.

This kind of offering is a manifestation of faith that requires obedience. Either the person believes, sacrifices and is delivered from the curse because of their obedience, or they will suffer the consequences of that curse because of their disobedience.

An offering of sacrifice must be made. It will either be done for the personal gain of receiving eternal salvation, or for the misfortune of attaining eternal damnation.

Blessings come from the sacrifices that are made to remain obedient to the Word of God. On the other hand, curses come from the disobedience to the Word of God.

One thing is certain: Whether or not you obey the Word of God, sacrifices will have to be made. Either it will be for salvation or damnation. Those who sacrifice, obey. Those who obey, sacrifice and are saved. Those who do not sacrifice, disobey. Those who disobey, do not sacrifice, but they will eventually be sacrificed in the Lake of fire and brimstone. However, voluntary offerings are inspired by the Spirit of God. Unlike the guilt offering, when the offering inspired by the Spirit is given, it involves purity and greatness of spirit. It is the purest expression of love, unselfishness and trust in God.

This kind of offering giver gives without expecting anything in exchange. They give by faith, because of love... They give with lots of joy. It is called a voluntary offering because it is inspired by God.

Through Paul, the Holy Spirit teaches about this offering when he says:
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:7

Do you want to receive the plenitude of God?
Then you must also sacrifice yourself completely to Him.
It's your all in exchange for His all.
Those who believe, amen. And for those who do not believe, what more can we do except to have patience.

Note: Lately, my blogs have been longer because I believe readers are having a bit more time on their hands to read, reread and meditate on these messages.

God bless you.