What is the Offering?
The Offering is a response by God’s people to the grace they have received. It is one way of saying thanks to God for what He has done for us. God uses this to continue the ministry of the Gospel in our local congregation and in mission work elsewhere. But the point of the Offering is our expression of thanks to God for His grace. We take a portion of what we receive to be used for the specific work of the kingdom. We use the rest of what God has given us to be a blessing to those He has placed in our lives. The Offering is one way of expressing our faith in the One Who has given us all things and done all that we need to live with Him, here and in heaven.
What does the Offering have to do with our worship?
The Offering is an act of worship. We respond to the grace we have received in hearing God’s Word and having it applied. That response is to offer ourselves to God, Who has given us all things and blessed us with His grace in the Word and Sacraments. Worship is a response of faith by prayer, praise and giving thanks. The Offering is one way to give thanks.
What does the Bible say about this?
Genesis 14:17-21 – After God blesses Abram’s effort to rescue Lot, Abram gives a tithe to Melchizedek, the priest.
Psalm 100 – A song of thanksgiving to God for all his mercies.
Psalm 116 – After remembering all the mercies of the Lord, the Psalmist seeks to give an offering of thanksgiving.
Psalm 145 – A song of thanks to God for all His blessings.
Luke 21:1-4 – Jesus praises a woman who gave a small amount, for it was all she had.
Suggestions
Find ways to remind yourselves of the blessings of God. Remember that they are His and to be used to His glory. Find ways to set aside gifts to the Lord for specific work in his kingdom. This may be mite boxes for missions, Sunday School or VBS gifts, time and talent for church and local charity, etc. If you have children, let them put your offering in the plate of teach them what that is for. You may also want to sing some of the following hymns: Lutheran Service Book; 732, 781, 783, 805, 806, and 851.
Object Lesson
Set ten pieces of money on the table. Tell them that it all comes to us as gift from God. Separate one out and tell them that you are going to return that to God for the work of the church. That’s what the offering is for. Show them the other nine and tell them that you are going to use this to God’s glory by taking care of the family, which is loving service to God.
Prayer
“What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend, for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? Oh, make me Thine forever! And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never, outlive my love for Thee.” Amen (Lutheran Service Book 449 v 3)