Withholding Nothing

Based on Numbers 7-8, Mark 4:21-41

"This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold: Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:" Numbers 7:84‭-‬85.

Together, each tribe of Israel gave so much to God for the tabernacle. Not only animal sacrifices from their flocks, but different items and tools. Think about it...from the caring of each animal, to the making of each item, then to giving it up to God...what heart! What great sacrifice! They were a people who understood that no gift is greater than God, and all good things come from God anyway! They withheld nothing!

"And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord. And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the Lord , to make an atonement for the Levites. And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the Lord." Numbers 8:11‭-‬13

Beyond things given in honor of the service of The Lord, the special tribe of the Levites were given as the firstborn of the people of Israel to do special jobs in service of The Lord. We should strive to be like this tribe too! Not only sacrificing outside themselves, but giving themselves to be mightily used of God! In Jesus, we have this same ability! Don't stop short, because God's Hand isn't short! He will be there to strengthen you. The closer you get, the more of yourself you give, the more fulfilled you will feel!

"And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad." Mark 4:21‭-‬22

Just like the candlestick burning bright in the tabernacle all those centuries ago, our light must burn bright for Jesus today! We can't hide our talents. Our time. Our tools we could be using in The Kingdom of God! Don't just invest in this life-put your best into the life to come...that's where it counts!!