During the Feast of Trumpets at the Temple in Jerusalem approximately two thousand years ago, the holy day offerings were a central and striking feature. Thousands of Israelite men crowded into the Court of the Israelites, while as many as 17,000 priests and Levites, adorned in special uniforms, performed their duties. The air was filled with the noise and smells of animal sacrifices—bulls, rams, lambs, and goats—selected as the very best of their kind for the altar. Accompanying these were the scents of cereal flour, olive oil, wine, and strong drink, all contributing to an atmosphere far different from modern holy day services. A major characteristic of all Temple offerings, whether animals, grain, or beverages, was their exceptional quality. Those who presented them took great care to choose the finest specimens and prepared them with meticulous attention for sacrifice. These offerings were to be of the highest standard, reflecting deep respect and dedication. As we approach the fall holy days, we are reminded to ensure that our own offerings to God mirror this commitment to excellence in quality, thought, and effort. The quantity and value of the Temple offerings were staggering, as commanded by God for the Feast of Trumpets, including additional New Moon offerings and regular burnt offerings. The importance lies not in the amount given, but in the attitude, thought, and preparation behind each offering. God sees, understands, and appreciates the financial struggles many face, and the purpose of holy day offerings is to inspire giving with the proper mindset and for the right reasons. We are encouraged to consider, plan, and present quality offerings, knowing that He values our sincere efforts.

Offerings to God are an ancient practice, following obedience as the second act of worship mentioned in Scripture, beginning with Cain and Abel in Genesis. Their offerings were tied to their daily work, with Cain offering fruit of the ground and Abel presenting the firstborn of his flock. However, God does not respect all offerings, as seen when He rejected Cain's due to the motives and character behind it, while accepting Abel's, which reflected a priority of love toward God. In Deuteronomy 16:16-17, it is commanded that three times a year, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles, all shall appear before the Lord with an offering, not empty-handed. Each person is to give according to their ability and the blessings received from God, symbolizing subservience, gratitude, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty within the covenant relationship. These offerings occur during the seven annual holy days within the three pilgrimage seasons, where individuals come before God spiritually in holy convocation. God does not set a fixed amount but encourages contemplation of His blessings to determine the offering's value. In II Corinthians 9:6-8, the principle of giving is highlighted: one who sows sparingly reaps sparingly, while one who sows bountifully reaps bountifully. Each should give as purposed in their heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. This reflects the contrast between Cain's likely grudging attitude and Abel's thoughtful, abundant, and cheerful giving, which aimed to please God and recognized His grace and blessings. Finally, Psalm 107:1-2 and 19-22 call for giving thanks to the Lord for His goodness and mercy, urging the redeemed to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing, acknowledging His salvation and deliverance from distress.

As springtime arrives, members of God's church prepare for the cycle of His holy days, during which we are commanded to give offerings. Though our offerings today are primarily monetary, unlike the material offerings of Old Testament Israel such as firstlings of the flock, grain, gold, silver, or brass, the underlying principles remain unchanged. Our offerings should not be mere afterthoughts; just as the Israelites meticulously selected their best lamb for Passover after careful inspection, we too must give God our best through thoughtful planning, prayer, and meditation on the amount we offer. When considering what we gain from giving, we recognize that God, in His wisdom, designs offerings for multiple purposes, not as a one-way street. Through the economic principle of mapping, which involves detailed planning, we learn financial management by creating budgets for time and money. Budgeting, as encouraged for the approaching spring holy days, helps us understand our resources and make informed decisions on our offerings, fostering a cheerful giving spirit as commanded in Scripture. Offerings also create value, not because God needs our money, but because He invests in us, expecting growth and increase, much like any investment. By giving as we are able, we grow more like God, benefiting Him as His investment gains tremendous value. An offering, while costing us something, serves as a financial management tool designed by God to help us optimize our resources. By mapping our economic situations accurately and budgeting, we ensure our offerings are thoughtful and meaningful, bringing us closer to being in the image of God.

Christianity calls for thoughtfulness, attention, and care in all aspects of life, including the giving of offerings. God commands in Deuteronomy 16 to take up an offering during annual holy convocations, urging us to combine this act with mindful consideration. Offerings are good works that facilitate acts of service, such as helping members, ministers, and others by providing food, clothing, and support. They also make the gospel available to thousands and many other beneficial initiatives. God does not desire perfunctory giving on holy days. Instead, He wants us to thoughtfully consider His blessings upon us, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:17-18, and the needs our blessings can address. God calls us to participate actively in His work, not to sit idly while His house lies in ruins, as highlighted in Haggai 1:3-6. He urges us to consider our ways, to think about our priorities and what He desires us to aim for in life. There is a direct correlation between our participation in His work and the blessings He bestows upon us. Our ultimate purpose is to bring pleasure to God and glorify Him, and one way to achieve this is by thoughtfully considering and presenting Him with an offering.