How does Exodus 35:23 reflect the importance of community in serving God? Setting the Scene at Sinai - Israel has just received God’s covenant law. - The tabernacle must be built—a dwelling place for God among His people (Exodus 25:8). - Moses relays God’s blueprint and invites voluntary offerings (Exodus 35:4-9). The Verse in Focus “Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, fine linen or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or fine leather brought them.” (Exodus 35:23) Community in Action - Whole-camp participation: “Everyone who had…” highlights an all-inclusive response—no tribe, gender, or status excluded. - Varied resources, one purpose: Luxury dyes, everyday goat hair, and rugged leather all find a place in God’s project. - Voluntary generosity: Nothing is coerced; hearts are moved (v. 21). Why Community Matters in Serving God • Shared stewardship – God entrusted different materials to different households; together they met every need. – 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” • Complementary diversity – Fine linen alone cannot cover the tabernacle; humble goat hair is equally essential. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 stresses varied gifts from the same Spirit “for the common good.” • Unified witness – A nation acting as one declares God’s worth more loudly than isolated donors. – Acts 4:32-35 shows the early church echoing this unity, resulting in “great grace” upon them all. Timeless Principles - God calls communities, not lone rangers. - He supplies through His people whatever He commands. - No contribution is insignificant when offered to Him. Practical Takeaways for Us 1. Identify what God has placed in your hands—skills, time, finances, possessions. 2. Offer those resources willingly for congregational ministries and global missions. 3. Celebrate the diverse contributions of others rather than comparing or competing (Romans 12:5-8). 4. Expect that collective obedience creates a dwelling place for God’s presence among His people today. |
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