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Giving Too Much - Exodus 36
Giving Too Much - Exodus 36
Where would one get the material in the wilderness to build a tabernacle that is made up of much gold and fine fabrics? There were not Walmart, CostCo, or Home Depot. God could have miraculously provided for it, but instead, God had provided for it in another way.
Before Israel left Egypt, God’s last work caused the people of Egypt to give much of their possessions to Israel and beg them to take it and leave. Thus, Israel left Egypt with many possessions.
Now, God asks them to provide from their possessions all the materials needed to construct the tabernacle: "Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution…” (Exodus 35:5). The people responded: "The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the Lord had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the Lord” (Exodus 35:29). And "they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning” (36:3). The result was that the people were "bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the Lord commanded…” (36:5) Instead of having to beg for enough, the people had to be “restrained from bringing any more” (36:6).
Such is the nature of un-greedy, un-materialistic, and generous hearts. Such can only come from people that have a willing heart. God could have mandated that they bring 25% of their possessions, or some such number, but instead, He asked for what they were willing to give.
When we come to the New Testament, we see God asking the same of His people today. We are to be willing to share (Heb. 13:4-5). How much? 10%? 25%? No, but what we are willing. Paul mentioned three things about the churches of Macedonia in their giving and sharing:
1. They gave according to their ability - 2 Cor. 8:3, 11, Acts 11:29.
2. They gave according to their accord (willingness, free choice) - 2 Cor. 8:3
3. They even gave beyond their ability - 2 Cor. 8:3
In addition, they then BEGGED for the FAVOR (grace) of participation in the support of the saints (vs. 4). They gave, not begrudgingly or by compulsion, but liberally from a cheerful heart (2Cor. 9:7).
All of this is possible because they FIRST gave THEMSELVES unto the Lord (2C. 8:5). God loves a cheerful giver, are you one?
Hugh DeLong
