18 & 19 July 2026 (Pastoral Page) EVERYONE AND EVERY GIFT MATTERS

by Asst Ps Timothy Lee

Have you ever felt that your service to God’s work was unimportant or insignificant?

I have. There are times when I look at others who seem more capable, wiser, or more experienced than I am. It is easy to compare myself and conclude that my part does not really matter. I have often felt "inferior" and thought it would be better to let someone else serve or do it instead.

Yet, Numbers 7 reminded me otherwise.

Most of us are familiar with Numbers 6 because it contains the Aaronic blessing: "The Lord bless you and keep you." But Numbers 7 is a chapter that many of us skim over. It is, in fact, the second-longest chapter in the Bible and one of the most repetitive passages.

For twelve consecutive days, each leader of the twelve tribes of Israel brought exactly the same offerings for the dedication of the tabernacle.

It could have been summarised in one verse that “Each leader brought the same offerings over twelve days.”

Yet God chose to have every single name and every offering noted down twelve times. Although the offerings were identical, each offering mattered because each came from a different person. No leader was overlooked. No tribe received more attention than another. Each was remembered by name, and each gift was recorded (v. 12-83).

This reminds me that our service is not determined by how impressive (or not) but by the faithfulness with which we are called to serve. God notices the details of our service; no act of service is too small or overlooked.

Numbers 7 also reminds us that everyone has a place in God's work. The tabernacle was dedicated not through the offerings of one extraordinary leader but through the participation of all twelve tribes. Together, their offerings reflected the unity of God's people and their shared commitment to His dwelling place.

The same is true of the body of Christ today. God builds His church not by a few gifted individuals but through every believer faithfully serving according to the grace He has given each one (Romans 12:6–8). Every act of service, every word of encouragement, and every gift offered in love contributes to the work of His kingdom.

So when feelings of inadequacy arise, remember Numbers 7. God notices what others may overlook, and He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him (Hebrews 6:10). The offering you bring may seem small compared to someone else's, but if it is given with love, faithfulness and obedience, it is precious in His sight.

Then the chapter ends with a beautiful scene:

"When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law, between the two cherubim. And He spoke with him." (v. 89)

After all the giving, serving, and worship, the climax of the chapter is not the offerings themselves—it is God's presence. The repeated offerings prepared the way for fellowship with Him.

Ultimately, that is the goal of all our service. God is not simply looking for people to accomplish tasks for Him; He desires people who will walk with Him (Micah 6:8) and abide in Him (John 15:4–5). Our gifts, our service, and our obedience are all meant to lead us into deeper communion with the God we serve.