Generosity and gratitude
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: English, Spanish) ->Alternate
SUMMARY: The passage from First Chronicles, chapter 16, describes how David declared a national day of worship, praise, and thankfulness to the Lord after the return of the arch of the covenant. This act of gratitude was accompanied by offerings and sacrifices, as well as the distribution of food to the people of Israel. The author emphasizes the importance of generosity and gratitude in the fulfilling of the great commission and the growth of the church. The author also reflects on the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon their congregation and the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for these blessings. The author explains the different types of offerings and sacrifices that the people of God would bring to the house of the Lord, emphasizing that these were gifts brought with an attitude of gratitude and honor.
The tradition of offering sacrifices and offerings to the Lord is seen throughout history, including in the book of Leviticus. It is a way to honor God and express gratitude for his blessings. Before bringing offerings, it is important to purify oneself and ask for forgiveness for any offenses against God or others. As a church, we acknowledge our need for forgiveness and commit to a life of holiness and obedience to God. We give thanks for God's blessings and acknowledge his goodness, even in times of suffering or loss.
The tradition of offering sacrifices and offerings to the Lord is seen throughout history, including in the book of Leviticus. It is a way to honor God and express gratitude for his blessings. Before bringing offerings, it is important to purify oneself and ask for forgiveness for any offenses against God or others. As a church, we acknowledge our need for forgiveness and commit to a life of holiness and obedience to God. We give thanks for God's blessings and acknowledge his goodness, even in times of suffering or loss.
In First Chronicles, chapter 16 David is in gratitude to the Lord for having returned the arch of the covenant after it had been captured by the philistines, and he was able finally, after much travail and missteps, he finally succeeds in bringing the arch into the tabernacle. The arch, the symbol of the presence of God among his people, and David was so grateful that he declared a special offering for the Lord. He declares a day of gratitude before the Lord. Chapter 16, verse 1 says:
“…So they brought the arch of God and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it and then they offered burned offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. – There is an interesting detail, not only did David worship the Lord through sacrifices and offerings, he says, that he distributed to everyone of Israel, both men and women, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat and a cake of raisins. And he appointed some of the Levites to minister before the arch of the Lord to commemorate, to thank and to praise the Lord God of Israel….”
“…So they brought the arch of God and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it and then they offered burned offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. – There is an interesting detail, not only did David worship the Lord through sacrifices and offerings, he says, that he distributed to everyone of Israel, both men and women, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat and a cake of raisins. And he appointed some of the Levites to minister before the arch of the Lord to commemorate, to thank and to praise the Lord God of Israel….”
