The LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. . . .”Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” (NIV)
Exodus 25:1-2, 8
Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, . . . presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD. (NIV) Exodus 35:20-21, 22
Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. Exodus 36:2-3
So all the skilled craftsmen . . .said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work. (NIV) Exodus 36:4-7
Can you imagine it? The people were restrained from giving more of their resources to God’s work! Why? Because when the hearts of God’s people are right, there is never a shortage to do God’s work! How’s your heart condition? Is it right with God? How do you rate your willingness to give?
The Israelites knew “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7) – their response was to give to God’s work. Do you know “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin”? Is your heart response to give to God’s work?
