What other biblical examples show generosity in giving to God's purposes? Exodus 35:23—A Snapshot of Open-Handed Giving “Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or fine leather presented them.” Israel’s craftsmen could only build the tabernacle because a Spirit-stirred people freely laid costly materials at Moses’ feet. The moment sets the pattern: when God’s purposes are clear, His people gladly unfasten their grip on treasure. Old Testament Portraits of Spirit-Led Generosity • Genesis 14:20 — “Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.” Kings’ plunder became worship. • Genesis 28:22 — Jacob vowed, “Of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” A personal commitment before any law was written. • 1 Chronicles 29:3-6, 9 — David declared, “Because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give my personal treasures…” Leaders and people “offered willingly,” and “rejoiced… for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD.” • 2 Chronicles 31:5-10 — At Hezekiah’s reform “the Israelites gave generously of the firstfruits,” piling up “heaps” that supplied priests and Levites. • Ezra 2:68-69 — Returning exiles “gave freewill offerings… according to their ability” for the second temple. • Nehemiah 11:2 — “The people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem,” surrendering comfort to populate the holy city. New Testament Snapshots of Sacrificial Giving • Matthew 2:11 — Magi “opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh,” funding the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt. • Luke 8:3 — Joanna, Susanna, “and many others were supporting [Jesus and the Twelve] from their own means,” underwriting the Galilean mission. • Mark 12:44 — The widow’s two small coins: “She, out of her poverty, has put in everything she had.” • John 12:3 — Mary “took about a pint of expensive perfume… and anointed Jesus’ feet,” an offering worth a laborer’s annual wage that prepared Him for burial. • Acts 2:44-45 — Believers “had everything in common… shared with anyone as he had need,” ensuring no disciple lacked. • Acts 4:34-37 — Landowners “sold fields… laid the money at the apostles’ feet,” exemplified by Barnabas. • Acts 16:14-15 — Lydia opened her home to Paul’s team, turning her business proceeds into a base for the gospel in Europe. • 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 — Macedonian churches, “in severe trial and extreme poverty… gave beyond their ability… pleading for the privilege of sharing.” • Philippians 4:18 — “I have received full payment… the gifts you sent are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God,” Paul writes to a church that emptied pockets to advance the mission. Threads Woven Through Every Story • Voluntary—never coerced; hearts “stirred” (Exodus 35:21). • Proportionate yet Sacrificial—ranging from mites to royal treasure. • Purpose-Driven—always aimed at worship, ministry, or mercy. • Joy-Filled—“The people rejoiced at the offerings” (1 Chronicles 29:9); the Macedonians begged for the privilege. • Fruitful—needs met, the gospel advanced, God glorified. The same Spirit who moved Israel still prompts believers to give generously today, trusting that whatever is laid at His feet becomes material for His dwelling among us. |
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