Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

The system of sacrifices and offerings was a most expensive one to
ancient Israel. Continual offerings were to be made. But God required
nothing less of them, and they did it willingly. Men in our day, who profess
to be followers of Jesus Christ, and yet who choose to gratify self and
increase their possessions rather than render to God that which he requires of
them in tithes, in offerings, and in gifts, and in giving themselves to his
service, are inexcusable. The more we do in the cause of our Master, the
more we have to do with, and the greater will be our willingness and
pleasure in doing.
The Lord left it with his people anciently to decide for themselves what
they would give to his service. It was expressly stated that the poor could
give less valuable offerings, such as a dove, or pigeon; but the same care and
exactness in preparation were needed as for the more expensive offerings.
Here is a lesson to all, that the poor are as precious in the sight of God as the
most wealthy, if they are only willing and obedient. The parents of our
Saviour were poor. The only offering they could bring for the priceless gift
of the Son of God, was a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons. But the
most humble offering is accepted if it is all that the poor can bring. It is for
the encouragement of such that this instance in the history of Jesus is placed
on record.
In many cases the poor give more freely, and make more of a sacrifice in
their simple, dove offerings, than do the more wealthy who give of their
abundance, and feel no personal inconvenience. These freewill, cheerful
gifts, simple as they may be, are far more acceptable and fragrant in the sight
of God than thousands of gold and silver coming from those grudgingly
bestow the gift.
The Israelites were forbidden to eat the fat or the blood. "It shall be a
perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye
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