Let's think about a pretty mundane part of the worship service for a moment. We have exciting parts; like a marvelous hymn with brass choir, or a bell choir number, or a rousing worship song led by the Praise Band in Jack's place.
And then we have parts of the service that seem pretty dull. Like when they pass an offering basket and we put in our offering envelope or put in some money. It comes, we do it, we pass it to the next person and that takes care of that.
Let's ponder that instant for a moment. How often do we get to give something to God? Oh, to be sure, we say, "I'm giving my whole life to God." Well, perhaps. In that instant when the offering envelope or money hits the plate we can say, and perhaps even should say under our breath, "God, I give this to you. Here is a part of my income, of my very being, that I offer as my gift to you, in thanksgiving for all you have done for me." It is indeed a holy moment, between us and God.
Up at Mt. Zion church in Cleveland (the large, black Pentecostal church we have partnered with for over 30 years), they take up the offering differently. To loud and happy music, people get up, march down the aisle, and place the offering in baskets held by the deacons at the head of each aisle. It's a dramatic moment. Well, Lutherans tend not to get very dramatic.
But the next time you give your offering to the Lord, note well what you are doing. "Jesus, I don't often have a chance to give to you, who have given me so very much. But here...I give this specifically to you and the work you do among your people. My gift to you."
It's a holy moment in our worship service. A chance to give a gift to God.
In Christ,
Pastor Mitchell
