What connections exist between Exodus 38:28 and New Testament teachings on stewardship? Setting the Scene: Exodus 38:28 “From the 1,775 shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their tops, and fashioned bands for them.” Every Ounce Counts • God recorded even the leftover silver. Nothing given for His dwelling was wasted. • Luke 16:10—“Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” The Tabernacle’s accountants modeled this principle centuries before Jesus voiced it. • John 6:12—Jesus gathered the fragments after feeding the five thousand; God’s people still guard His resources carefully. Designated for God’s House • The silver went exclusively to pillars supporting God’s sanctuary. • 1 Corinthians 3:9 & 16—believers are “God’s building” and “God’s temple.” Stewardship now centers on supporting the living church and its mission. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7—cheerful, intentional giving parallels Israel’s precise allocation. Purposeful Allocation, Not Random Spending • Exodus specifies hooks, capitals, and bands—exact items, exact amounts. • Matthew 25:14-30—Jesus’ parable of the talents commends servants who invest wisely, not haphazardly. • Proverbs 21:5—“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” Stewardship includes planning. Beauty and Order Glorify God • Silver overlay elevated the pillars’ appearance. God values excellence, not extravagance. • 1 Corinthians 14:40—“Let all things be done decently and in order.” The Tabernacle’s orderly craftsmanship foreshadows orderly New-Covenant worship and administration. • Philippians 4:8—whatever is lovely and commendable is worthy of attention, including how we use material resources. Corporate Responsibility, Shared Blessing • The silver represented the census offering of every Israelite (Exodus 38:25-26). Stewardship was communal. • Acts 4:32-35—early believers pooled possessions “so that no one among them was needy.” • 2 Corinthians 8:13-15—Paul links giving to equality, echoing how every Israelite’s half-shekel contributed to a common work. Living It Out Today • Track every gift and expense with transparency, honoring God who notices “leftovers.” • Direct resources to ministries that uphold and build the true temple—the people of God. • Budget prayerfully and specifically; avoid vague “good intentions.” • Aim for quality that reflects God’s glory without wasteful luxury. • Embrace congregational giving as a shared privilege, not a private burden. Exodus 38:28’s meticulous accounting of silver for small fittings anticipates the New Testament call to faithful, purposeful, and communal stewardship—every coin, talent, and gift dedicated to the Lord’s work and done with excellence for His glory. |
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