Do Not Appear Empty

The Main Idea of the Lecture

The lecture revolves around a clear divine command: “Do not appear before Me empty,” as mentioned in the Book of Exodus.
It means that a person should not stand before God without an offering, but should present something from his heart, whether material or spiritual, as an expression of love, thanksgiving, and faith.

Offering Throughout Sacred History

The idea of offering began from the dawn of humanity, when Abel presented the best he had, and his offering was accepted before God. This divine tradition continued in the Old Testament through the offering of the firstborn, sacrifices, and burnt offerings, as mentioned in the Book of Leviticus, where the fire remained burning until the sacrifice became complete ashes for the Lord.

The Offering Is Not Just a Sacrifice

The offering was not limited to sacrifices only, but included:

• Generosity in hospitality like Abraham.
• Giving to the king as Jesse did.
• Humility and wisdom as Abigail did.
• Complete generosity as Araunah the Jebusite did.
• Offering the firstborn as Hannah the mother of Samuel did.

All these did not stand before God empty, but gave with generosity and faith.

Offering from Need

The lecture showed that God accepts the little as He accepts the much.
The Lord Jesus praised the widow’s two mites because she gave from her need, as He blessed the offering of the widow of Zarephath who gave to Elijah during famine, and also the boy who offered the five loaves and two fish, and God blessed the little and made a miracle with it.

Conditions of the Offering

• To be from the best one has.
• To be without blemish.
• To be given with faith and humility.
• Not to be hypocrisy, but gratitude for God’s goodness.

The Coptic Spiritual Dimension

In the Coptic Church, this concept appears in the “Litany of the Offerings,” where those of little and those of much are remembered.
The offering is not a price for God’s gifts, but an expression of thanksgiving and love.
Giving to the poor, hosting strangers, and almsgiving for the departed are all considered offerings to the Lord.

The Spiritual Message

The believer does not enter the church empty-handed nor empty-hearted.
Even if what he has is little, God looks at the heart and faith.
The important thing is not to stand before God empty, but to offer Him from our time, energy, money, love, and service.

“For better translation support, please contact the center.”