The true meaning of offering

THE FAMILIAR STORY of the “five loaves and two fish” in the Gospel (Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand, John 6: 1-14) is one that we will never tire of hearing. There is so much precious truth in the short passage which also shows up the many facets of a man’s heart.

I have heard speakers present the story from different perspectives, and one that I recall well is that from a foreign professor who gave her talk in China. The need was immense but what they had was so very little. It was no wonder that the disciples asked, “What are they among so many people?”

When it comes to making our offerings it is not enough simply to do it “with a willing heart”. Instead we have to “give of our best”. We do not offer only what we can spare, but offer what is our best.

The child gave his best and it was also all that he had, five small barley loaves and two small fish. With this offering and facing the enormous need, Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.”

This was as good as telling His disciples that the offering was sufficient. It was sufficient because one person had given his best and given his all. In fact it was more than sufficient as there were leftovers to fill 12 baskets.

Let us refresh our understanding of the meaning of “offering”. Offering includes sacrifice and surrender. It is about giving my best regardless of what others may or may not do. It is about giving what I have a need for but which I am willing to surrender to the Lord as He commands. This is the true meaning of offering.

The Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung is the President of the Chinese Annual Conference.

QUOTE:

GIVING OF OUR BEST

“When it comes to making our offerings it is not enough simply to do it “with a willing heart”. Instead we have to “give of our best”.”