“And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:4, NIV).”
“… and with free will offerings …”
Rebuilding the temple was something Israel had wanted to do for so long. They brought with them as many precious things that they had accumulated during the captivity in Babylon to rebuild and furnish the temple, but this was not a mere tithe or some duty driven percentage “gift”. Silver and Gold, among other items of value, were collected initially but free will offerings came as a result of being freed from captivity.
The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in Luke 7 gave much because of being forgiven much.
Have you lost a bit of gratitude like myself? Let’s look again to Jesus, watch him closely on the cross, and seek to have our hearts renewed to the point of free will offering status.
Tim Holman, Writer 