I remember an old black and white movie about a native tribe on an island. In the movie, this tribe was trying to appease their volcano god by offering up an innocent victim. I remember watching the screen as the wild-eyed natives walked their trembling victim to the edge of the volcano. Even as a kid, I thought, “What a harsh and demanding god!”
At first read, Numbers chapters 28-29 can sound much the same. But this is not what these chapters are about! These chapters are about gratitude and celebration.
In the previous chapter, you see how God provides for His children. So chapters 28-29 talk about showing gratitude and celebration for that provision.
Showing gratitude to God is so important, but so easily forgotten. It’s easy for us to get caught up in making the most of life and forget to stop and show gratitude to the One who provides life. We can be like the kid on Christmas that’s so excited about playing with their presents they forget to stop and thank the ones who gave the presents.
We need a regular and systematic way to show our gratitude to God for all He’s done for us, lest we forget all He’s done.
That’s why it’s important to give back consistently and regularly to your church and other charitable organizations. And when you give, be glad about how it will add to others, not fearful over what it will take from you.
It may be hard at first, but keep practicing. You’ll get it.