Repay The LORD

To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. 

The just one's offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. The just one's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.

For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion. For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. (Sirach 35:1-12)

“…To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty-handed…”  Evil lurks everywhere.  Its presence is felt in every corner of our lives, even in the light.  Albert Einstein once said: “The real problem is in the hearts and minds of men. It is easier to denature plutonium than to denature the evil spirit of man.”  A Chinese proverb reads: “To learn what is good, a thousand days are not sufficient; to learn what is evil, an hour is too long.” Therefore, refraining from evil might seem like a fool’s errand, but it is not when we are among the just ones seeking to avoid injustice. 

“For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.” That’s encouragement and quite a reward system. But first, we must be just and offer ourselves through sacrifice and service thereby enriching the altar with a rising sweet odor before the Most High.  

We must never appear before the LORD empty-handed.  Empty handedness means we have nothing to offer.  But we do, especially through works of charity and almsgiving with a focus on justice as an atonement for our own sins.  The LORD will be pleased.

Deacon David Pierce