God continued to give His detailed
instructions to Moses on how the Israelites were supposed to be
living. He also gave Moses detailed instructions on the building of
His tabernacle. He requested the people to give offerings to Him to
be used in the tabernacle. All the Israelites went away to their
tents and brought their offering according to what they desired to
give. Each gave as he wanted and at the end of the day, there was
more than enough to complete the task of building the
tabernacle.
I am certain that some gave because
they felt obligated to, but I think the majority gave out of
love for God and God loves people who give cheerfully.
'You must each make up your mind as
to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response
to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.' 2
Corinthians 9:7
And the Israelites didn't only give
their possessions, they also gave of their talents to help and
build the tabernacle of God. God needed people who were skilled as
jewelers, designers, weavers, embroiderers, carvers of wood etc.
God needed a lot of special skills and He gave the people the
ability to do it and to do it well. He had to give them the ability
as all of them were slaves from birth and didn't have the
opportunity to learn these skills as a trade. God had to help them
and the tabernacle at the end of the day was really something to
see. I wish I could have seen it in real life, I think it must have
been beautiful!
And today God needs people to work
at building His church too. And by His church I don't mean a
physical building, but all believers believing in Jesus, who forms
part of His Body. God needs people who will give of their money to
build and grow His church, but above all He needs people who are
willing to give of their time and to give of themselves to build
His church. Of course He doesn't expect everyone to be full time
ministers/missionaries, but He expects us to do what we can right
there where we are. He wants us to stand up for Him where He has
placed us, to spread His Word and to encourage others and to lead
more people to His Son. And if He lays it on your heart to help
physically at your church and use your gifts and talents in such a
manner, then you must follow His leading.
God needs people as much today as
He needed those three and a half thousand years ago. Are you
willing to stand up and make yourself available? God hopes that you
would.
Father, please give us the
discernment to know where You want us to help and where You want us
to go to build up Your church. We are willing to be Your vessels.
In Jesus Name. Amen