Giving to the Work of the Lord

Rev. Enoch Thompson | December 7, 2023 | Nehemiah 7:66-73

KEY VERSE:

⁷⁰ Some of the heads of the families contributed to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 drachmas of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests. ⁷¹Some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the work 20,000 drachmas of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. Nehemiah 7:70-71 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The work of God requires resources of the Spirit, of people, of time and wealth. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself during His days in the flesh required material resources to accomplish His ministry; “After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ² and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³ Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1-3 (NIV).

God does not need anything from humans for Him to do what He intends to do on the earth, for “'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the Lord Almighty.” Hag 2:8 (NIV).

In our text for reflection, we see the generosity of the Israelites in the mission of the restoration of the walls and worship. They gave gold, silver, and priestly garments. They also gave of themselves to settle in the towns of Israel, to give the nation a semblance of nationhood, and to ward off the enemies of Israel. Today I had conversations with a couple that is thinking of giving out their landed property for the ministry of the Ghana Baptist Convention, and I was wondering whether it was a coincidence or God-incidence that I needed to write a devotional on this text of the Bible with a message on the need to give towards the work of ministry.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: 

Would you acknowledge that God does not need anything from you because He owns everything? Would you appreciate the fact that He asks you to participate in His work so that you can be blessed? What do you have to give to God, time, talents, treasures? Above all give your life to God for whatever He purposes, and you will live a fulfilled life ever.

PRAYER:

Dear God, I am grateful to you that you let me use your world for my living here and expect me to participate in your work in the world by giving. I’m sorry that sometimes I’m funnily stingy and keep clutched to my chest like a child which initially and ultimately is yours. I pray for a spirit of giving for the advancement of your work, and to your people in need. In Jesus’ most precious Name, I pray, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: CONTRIBUTED The term "contributed" in Nehemiah 7:70-71 is translated from the Hebrew word "הִתְנַדַּֽבוּ" (hitnadavu), derived from the root "נדב" (nadav). This term carries the idea of volunteering, freely offering, or contributing willingly.

The root "נדב" (nadav) and its derivatives are frequently used in the Old Testament to express the concept of voluntary and willing offerings. For example, in Exodus 35:21-22, during the construction of the tabernacle, the people "נָדַבְנוּ" (nadavnu), meaning they willingly offered their contributions.

The act of contributing voluntarily holds a profound spiritual lesson. It reflects a heart that is not only obedient to God's commands but also willing to go beyond the requirements. The contributors in Nehemiah's time demonstrated a sense of devotion and generosity toward the work of God.

Reflections: This notion challenges us to reflect on our own attitude towards giving, not just in terms of material possessions but also in terms of our time, talents, and service to God and others. Are we contributing willingly and joyfully to the work of God, or is our giving marked by reluctance or obligation?

In what ways can we cultivate a spirit of voluntary and joyful contribution, following the example set by those who willingly gave for the work of God in Nehemiah's time?