“The king also appointed a portion of this possessions for the burnt offerings: for the morning and evening offerings, the burnt offerings, for the Sabbaths and the New Moon and the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the Lord. Moreover, he commanded the people who dwelt in Jerusalem to contribute support for the priests and Levites that they might devote themselves to the law of the Lord.”
2 Chronicles 31:3, 4
The celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread was over. The high places were subsequently torn down by the people, showing true repentance and a turning toward the Lord. In addition, the king established the priest and Levites to serve in the temple according to the law of the Lord. What remained was to ensure that all provision was made for the priests so that they may continue in their duties in the temple and that this move of God would continue among the people.
First, as leaders we must not expect our people to be generous givers if we are not. While you need not be boisterous or make some kind of show in your giving, nonetheless there should be some observable giving on your part. Let the people see that you are leading the way in generosity. Someone saw how Hezekiah gave from his own possessions and recorded it. His generosity became a public example for the people.
Secondly, the giving must have purpose relating to the work of the Lord. In other words, if you are going to encourage the people to give, then give them a good reason to release their hard earned money into the ministry. Cast the vision for what is needed. No one person is responsible to make it happen. There must be a cooperative effort. This accomplishes two things: 1) Every one feels that they are a part of what God is doing. 2) What God is doing will be funded.
Every church needs men of God to be free to do the work of God. It may be that the pastor needs food or gasoline for his motorcycle, or even money for new clothes. This takes resources and all must be willing, starting with the leader himself, to make the needed sacrifice to see God’s kingdom advance. What practical thing can you do to set the example in being generous toward the work you’re involved in?
