This is interesting news. A devotee dropped a cheque for Rs 100 crore (1 billion) in the hundi of a temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple officials found out later that person had just Rs. 17 in his bank account. (India Today, 25 August 2023) Was God impressed by this great offering granted his desires and prayers?
Impress God? Many desire to impress God, if not influence God. One way is offering. Even without money, this person gave a fake offering. Lord Jesus condemned the Pharisees who tried to impress God with their long prayers with marvelous vocabulary. Their words were just empty phrases. (Matthew 6:7)
Costless offering? David ordered the Census of Israel, which was unlawful. Joab’s pleadings did not halt the misadventure. God punished Israel, there was a plague and about 70000 people were dead. God commanded the angel to stop the punishment, and David went to offer God sacrifice on the spot where the angel stopped. It belonged to Araunah the Jebusite, who was willing to give an animal for sacrifice. However, David refused stating “I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” (II Samuel 24:24)
Undervalued offering: When many people sold their lands and gave offerings in the early church, Ananias and Sapphira also wanted to do like others. They promised to pay the proceeds of their property sale. Nevertheless, they did not give the whole amount and kept some parts for themselves. That cost their life. (Acts 5)
Rejected offering: God rejected Cain’s offering, while Abel’s was accepted. (Genesis 4:4-5) First, it is God’s Sovereign authority to accept or reject. Second, Cain brought a non-blood offering. Third, Cain lacked faith, unlike Abel. (Hebrews 11:4) Four, the offering was of a poor quality. Five, Cain’s attitude towards spiritual worship seems to be casual, ignoring God-ordained methods and protocol.
Mocked? God can neither be deceived nor mocked. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
Do I give unto the Lord willingly and cheerfully?