In what ways can we contribute to God's work, as seen in Exodus 25:1? A Word Spoken to Mobilize Hearts “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.’” (Exodus 25:1–2) What God Signals by Inviting Offerings • God involves His people in His plans; He does not act in isolation. • He esteems a “compelled heart” more than the amount given (2 Corinthians 9:7). • The invitation highlights stewardship: everything already belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). Ways We Can Contribute Today 1. Material Gifts • Finances, goods, property—freely yielded, never coerced. • Example: believers in Acts 4:34–35 laid resources “at the apostles’ feet.” 2. Skills and Craftsmanship • Bezalel and Oholiab employed artistry for the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1–6). • God “has given each of us grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7); employ your abilities for kingdom building. 3. Time and Service • The Levites devoted time to set-up and transport the tabernacle (Numbers 4:4–15). • Our service—teaching, mentoring, helping—reflects Romans 12:6–8. 4. Obedient Worship • The tabernacle offerings enabled a dwelling place for God’s presence. • Present your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). 5. Spiritual Gifts and Prayer • Intercession undergirded Israel’s battles (Exodus 17:11–13). • “Pray in the Spirit at all times” (Ephesians 6:18) as a vital contribution. Motives That Please the Lord • Willingness, not reluctance—“The people rejoiced, for they had given willingly” (1 Chronicles 29:9). • Love for God’s dwelling—David longed to build a house for the LORD (2 Samuel 7:2). • Gratitude for salvation—Mary poured costly perfume because much had been forgiven (Luke 7:47). Christ: The Supreme Pattern of Giving • “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2). • Our contributions mirror His self-giving love and point others to the gospel. Living This Out • Discern what the Spirit prompts—resources, abilities, or time. • Give promptly; Israel’s offerings came before construction began (Exodus 25–31). • Expect God to multiply what you release, just as five loaves fed multitudes (John 6:9–13). |
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