“So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: ‘Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!’ So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.” Exodus 36:6-7 [NIV]
I think that’s one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Imagine if every church or missions organization was able to say, “We have enough; you do not need to give anymore!”
What strikes me about this passage in Exodus is the context. Earlier in the text, the people have engaged in all kinds of evil when they think God (and Moses) has forsaken them. They seek something to worship and build a golden calf. Afterward there is judgment and repentance. This is followed by instructions for the building of the tabernacle and then a renewal of God’s law and covenant for the people. At the conclusion of the reading of the law, the people are challenged to bring all that is needed for the building of the tabernacle. (Exodus 35:4-19)
The Israelites eagerly return to their tents to prepare their offerings (Ex. 35:20-24). They soon discover that God, in His sovereignty, had already provided (through the Egyptians) what the Israelites needed to give – gold, silver, precious jewels, fine linen…even the hides of sea cows!
Here’s what I see from this passage:
- We need not fear when we are called to give, perhaps beyond what we think we can. God has already provided!
- The teaching of the law preceded the call to give. God’s Word reminds us of the need to give, the reasons to give and the joy that comes in giving!
- We, too, can give generously and willingly out of the treasure that God has already given us.
Question: Is God calling you to consider a gift outside of your comfort zone? Do you have a story of God providing beforehand what was needed for a gift?
Renae Nanney
Keynote
Development team Coordinator
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, Renae! I love that passage as well–what a great picture of God-led generosity by God’s people!
Just this week I won a gift card, unexpectedly. It made a great birthday present for a friend. Talk about God providing beforehand!
Kristen, that’s really cool. Thanks for sharing. I had something like that happen a few years ago where I wanted to give, but finances were really tight. God provided an unexpected gift that allowed me to give!
We have agreed to give a special offering and know that GOD will supply. Thanks for the encouragement. This website is powerful!