How can we apply the Israelites' example of giving in our church today? A Moment in Israel’s Story Exodus 36:3: “and they received from Moses all the offerings that the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning.” What We Notice in the Text • The gifts were free-will, not coerced. • Giving was repeated—“morning after morning.” • The offerings were directed toward a specific, God-ordained project: the sanctuary. • A joyful overflow followed; a few verses later (36:5-7) Moses actually had to tell them to stop giving because they had given more than enough. Timeless Principles • Generosity grows out of gratitude. The Israelites had just been delivered from Egypt (Exodus 12–14). Redemption led to open hands. • Giving is an act of worship, not a mere transaction (Exodus 25:1-2). • God’s work is resourced by God’s people, in God’s way, at God’s time. • Excess provision is possible when hearts are aligned with the Lord’s purposes (Exodus 36:7). How We Can Live This in the Local Church • Teach redemption first, stewardship second. When believers savor what Christ has done, giving becomes a natural response (2 Corinthians 8:9). • Present clear, kingdom-focused projects—missions, benevolence, building needs—so people see how their gifts advance God’s plan, just as the tabernacle did. • Encourage rhythm: – Weekly or monthly offerings, mirroring “morning after morning.” – Special free-will offerings for unique opportunities, echoing Exodus 35:29. • Foster voluntary generosity, never pressure. “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Celebrate God’s sufficiency. When needs are fully met, share the news and thank the congregation, following Moses’ example of transparency (Exodus 36:6). Practical Steps for Congregations • Share testimonies of how giving has impacted lives—stories make principles tangible. • Provide multiple, convenient avenues for offering: baskets, online portals, designated envelopes for special funds. • Teach families to practice generosity together—parents involving children in setting aside firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9). • Post progress updates on projects so people see the direct fruit of their gifts. • Set aside “overflow funds” for unexpected ministry doors, honoring the surplus mindset of Exodus 36:7. New Testament Echoes • Acts 4:32-35—believers shared possessions so “there were no needy persons among them.” • Philippians 4:18—Paul describes the church’s gift as “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” • Luke 6:38—“Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” • 1 Timothy 6:18—“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” A Heart Check for Every Believer • Is my giving spontaneous and joyful, or reluctant and calculated? • Do I view offerings as worship, equal in importance to singing or preaching? • Am I looking for opportunities to give “morning after morning,” not just on special occasions? • When God supplies more than enough, am I quick to praise Him and bless others? Closing Encouragement The Israelites’ openhandedness built a dwelling place for God in their midst. Our cheerful, consistent, purpose-filled giving does the same today, creating space for the gospel to shine, needs to be met, and Christ to be honored among His people. |
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