In many of the posts to date, we end with the words "Stand in the Offering Plate." Some readers have asked for more detailed direction in terms of the origin and meaning of this statement. Although the premise behind the saying is quite simplistic -- that is, Jesus wants us to desire to willingly do His will -- Jesus also wants us to love Him with all our heart, our soul and our mind.
Often, we relate the offering plate to money. Financial giving. In so doing we ask how much will we give to the Lord today? But then, often, because we have given financially, we tend to relinquish our own responsibility to delve into the scriptures and discern for ourselves Jesus' teachings. This is not to suggest that money isn't needed, or that your community churches are not in need of financial support.
But the scriptures state, "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" and all these things shall be added to you. Jesus wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth, commune with Him within the construct of a personal relationship -- as it was originally intended -- to learn of His Word and enjoy the presence of the Lord.
He does not want us to worship Him a little bit on Sundays but rather to desire His goodness -- His love -- His mercy and grace -- every day of the week. Under the new covenant -- the New Testament -- we learn that Jesus said His grace is sufficient. That our Lord God and Saviour paid the price for our sins with His blood on the cross. He sealed our transgressions once and for all. He does not need our money. He wants our hearts -- our minds -- our souls. All of us. The scriptures encourage us worship the Lord thy God with all our heart, our soul and our mind.
Paul wrote in II Corinthians 12:14 "Behold the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours but you-- for the children ought not to lay up for the parents but the parents for the children. And I will gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved." He then asks the congregation of believers, "Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?"
This is why the apostle Paul writes that he could take pleasure in his own infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses. He had the peace of Christ in his heart. Jesus joy. His peace that passes all understanding. Whenever Paul was weak -- for Christ's sake -- he remained strong. Herein, Paul understood what it was like to "become a fool in glorying." Paul also knew that monetary possessions did not contribute to quality of life in relation to the kingdom of heaven.
Remember the parable that Jesus presented in Matthew chapter twenty-five? Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me."
When asked by the righteous, "Lord, when saw we thee an hungred and fed they? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick or in prison and came unto thee?"
Jesus replied, saying, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily, I say unto you. Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:34-46)
Therefore, the statement "Stand in the Offering Plate" is intended to remind us that Jesus desires that our focus be on Him -- the King of kings and Lord of lords. He desires our heart first -- that we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness -- and as a consequence of His grace and mercy in our life, for us to love one another as He loved us. Marvel that we have become the sons and daughters of the Most High. Stand in the Offering Plate.
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