April 17, 2024 

Today's Reading: Exodus 34:29-35:21

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 34:29-35:21, Exodus 35:22-38:20, Luke 7:36-50

And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. (Exodus 35:21)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. If you ask most pastors, they would be ecstatic if they never, ever, ever had to talk about money in the Divine Service ever again. It always feels a bit uncomfortable, because even though the Offering of the Church is a free gift from the people of God, it always feels a bit like ‘asking for money.’

At the same time, though, churches do need funding to keep the lights on, pay their church workers and support staff, and to make the worship space look like a place where the Most High God visits His people, regardless of the building where you gather.

When Moses asked the Children of Israel to bring offerings together, he was planning to build the Tabernacle to the Great I AM’s exacting specifications. There was a specific plan for the Tabernacle, which we don’t have to follow today in our churches since there isn’t one specific place on earth where Christ is present, but upon every altar where his Word is taught in its truth and purity and where His sacraments are administered according to His institution.

One way that we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind is by returning to Him a portion of all we earn as a way of thanksgiving and praise for all He has done for us. Offerings can be musical, or hands-on during a workday or servant event, or as an acolyte or usher. They primarily take the form of monetary gifts, though, in the offering plate. 

Has your heart been stirred or your spirit moved by what the Lord God has done for you in Christ? Are you thankful for the salvation Christ won for you on His cross? One response of praise and thanksgiving is to set aside some of your income (paycheck, allowance, etc.) to return to the Lord’s church on a regular basis.

It can be a wonderful feeling to return in joy to the Lord just a tiny portion of all that He showers upon us. It is just one more way to say thank you to the Lord for lifting you out of sin and death and setting you on the way of forgiveness and salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be; All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee. May we Thy bounties thus As stewards true receive And gladly, as Thou blessest us, To Thee our first-fruits give! (LSB 781:1, 2)

- Pastor Duane Bamsch is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.