Heaps—Prompt Obedience
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 03/09/2025
Foundation Scriptures:
And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the fields; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. 6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them by heaps. 7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the Lord hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.
2 Chronicles 31:5-10 KJV
1. Relationship Restored.
a. One of the first things that Hezekiah did, after restoring the temple and the offices and functions of the priests, was to invite the tribes of Israel to come and to celebrate the Passover together.
b. The Passover was a type and shadow of our salvation, purchased with the precious Blood of Jesus.
c. Not everyone accepted the invitation, but those who did came willingly.
d. Through all this, they were connected back into relationship with Almighty God.
e. They made a commitment to worship Him, alone.
f. Then they destroyed all the high places and articles of idols and demonic worship.
g. His next act was to command the people to bring their tithes to the Lord for the support of the priests, so that they could do their job.
h. As soon as the commandment came forth, the people brought in abundance the first-fruits and the tithes.
2. Priorities.
a. When people are brought into a relationship with the Lord, or when the relationship is restored, a heart change takes place.
b. Priorities are adjusted.
c. When people connect to the Lord with their whole heart and fall in love with Him, their material possessions lose their significance.
d. The Lord becomes more valuable to them than what they have in their hand.
e. The Lord knows that we have need of these things, and indeed, He is the One Who has provided them abundantly for us.
f. But the conditions are, that He must have the preeminence in our hearts and lives.
g. Jesus told us we cannot serve two masters—God and mammon (material possessions)—we must choose who we serve and/or trust (Matt. 6:24).
3. Willingness and Obedience.
a. Deuteronomy 28:2 KJV –– And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
b. Isaiah 1:19 AMPC –– If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.
c. There is a blessing on obedience to God and His Word, and a curse on disobedience.
d. Why?
e. Because blessings come only from God, and obedience activates all the blessings promised in His Word.
f. Disobedience opens the door to the devil in our lives, and all he has to offer is sorrow, curses, and lack, in every area of life.
g. Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV –– I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
h. Decide to choose obedience; and therefore, life and blessing.
4. Restored Blessings.
a. In Malachi, the Lord rebukes Israel for turning away from Him and bringing a curse on themselves.
b. He commands them to return to Him, so the curse can be broken.
c. How?
d. In their giving—in their tithes and offerings.
e. Malachi 3:8-9 KJV –– Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
f. The Lord is so gracious to them—and He is gracious to us.
g. He desires to bless us with all His heart.
h. Unfortunately, He can only bless obedience, not disobedience.
i. For our part, we must develop a spirit that loves God, prioritizes His Kingdom, and desires to please Him in every way possible.
j. When we willingly and cheerfully do our part, God promises that He will rebuke the devourer on our behalf, and that He will open the windows of Heaven and pour out an overflowing blessing; a blessing that is too great to be contained (Mal. 3:10-12).
5. Prompt and Cheerful Giving.
a. The Lord loves, and will not abandon, a willing, cheerful, joyous, prompt to do it giver (2 Cor. 9:7).
b. This is what happened when Hezekiah commanded the people to bring to the Lord.
c. They responded immediately, with joy, and brought in abundance the first-fruits and the tithes.
d. Therefore, there was an overflow of blessings that became heaps of blessings.
e. The house of the Lord overflowed with blessings and provision, and the people overflowed with blessings and provision.
f. Heaps!