The concept of entrustment of the offerings in the Bible refers to the responsibility and stewardship associated with the handling and presentation of offerings to God. This practice is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries significant theological and spiritual implications.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, offerings were a central aspect of worship and covenantal relationship with God. The Israelites were commanded to bring various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, as outlined in the book of Leviticus. These offerings were to be presented at the Tabernacle and later at the Temple, under the supervision of the Levitical priesthood.

The priests, particularly the descendants of Aaron, were entrusted with the sacred duty of handling these offerings. Leviticus 6:9-10 states, "Command Aaron and his sons, 'This is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until morning, and the fire on the altar must be kept burning on it. The priest is to put on his linen robe, with linen undergarments next to his body, and he shall remove the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the altar and place them beside it.'"

The entrustment of offerings was not merely a ritualistic duty but a profound act of worship and obedience. The priests acted as mediators between God and the people, ensuring that the offerings were made according to divine instructions. This role underscored the holiness and sanctity of the offerings, as well as the need for purity and reverence in their presentation.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of offerings takes on a new dimension with the advent of Jesus Christ. Christ is portrayed as the ultimate offering, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Hebrews 9:14 declares, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!"

The entrustment of offerings in the New Testament shifts from the physical sacrifices of animals to the spiritual sacrifices of believers. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

Believers are called to present themselves as offerings, living lives of holiness and service. This spiritual entrustment emphasizes the personal responsibility of each Christian to live in a manner that honors God, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ.

Stewardship and Generosity

The entrustment of offerings also encompasses the stewardship of material resources. In the early church, believers were encouraged to give generously to support the work of the ministry and care for those in need. 2 Corinthians 9:7 instructs, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."

This principle of cheerful and willing giving reflects the heart of entrustment, where offerings are not merely obligations but expressions of gratitude and worship. The early church modeled this through communal sharing and support, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need."

Conclusion

The entrustment of offerings, both in the Old and New Testaments, highlights the importance of faithful stewardship, reverence, and generosity in the worship of God. It calls believers to a life of sacrificial giving, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.