Numbers 7:2 That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered.

Numbers 7 is an account of the offering of the princes to the service of the Tabernacle. Observe that the princes of Israel, that is, those who were the heads of the house of their fathers, were foremost in giving to the service of the Tabernacle. The gifts had not been asked by Moses; they were purely voluntary.

It was only right that the princes should take the lead in giving to the Lord. They did so by example so that others would follow. It is a lesson for all fathers, mothers, leaders, managers, well-paid executives, businessmen, and those who are wealthy, to be "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14). Parents, your children are learning from you how you are giving to God and others. Brethren, the younger Christians are learning from you how you give to God.

The liberality of the leaders of the tribes to the service of the Tabernacle stands before us today as a noble example. Are we giving for the furtherance of the gospel? It is unfortunate and a cursing to a church if the work of the church cannot function because members who are materially rich are not giving. The church at Laodicea is a reminder to churches who are rich materially but poor spiritually (Revelations 3:16-17). In the same way, a church can have rich members but poor in her treasury.

It is a blessing to be able to give. The ability to give shows us that we have indeed blessed by God: “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

No one has ever become poor by giving. The Lord assures us: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you,” (Luke 6:38, ESV).

Imagine the blessings that come back to the giver: “Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.” Indeed, they that sow bountifully shall reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). I have never seen a generous person becoming poor because he has been giving to others. On the contrary, I see that the more generous he is, the more blessed he has become.

In greater gratitude for a purer faith, we should be more generous. It is a demonstration of one’s faith in God. It is God who gives one the power to give. God is watching if he is giving according to what He has prospered him (1 Corinthians 16:2). There will come a day when everyone of us has to give an account of the things that God has given us (Matthew 25:19).

The principle of giving has been laid before us: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48).

The greater our blessing, the greater our responsibility. Therefore, those who are blessed materially, have the greater responsibility to excel in their giving on account of the greater opportunity (Galatians 6:10).

What is wealth good for, but as they enable a man to do good in the world! The commandment given to the rich brethren is this: “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,” (1 Timothy 6:18, ESV).

The princes of Israel led the way in giving because they were blessed. Are we doing the same with our blessings?

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the