How can we apply the principle of contributing resources to God's kingdom today? The Offering of Bronze in Exodus 38:29 “The bronze of the wave offering amounted to seventy talents and 2,400 shekels.” (Exodus 38:29) • Every ounce was freely brought by Israelites whose hearts were “willing” (Exodus 35:5, 21). • The metal met a specific, God-given need—the furnishings of the tabernacle. • Their collective obedience turned raw bronze into a place where God’s presence would dwell among them. Timeless Principle: Willing Stewardship • God supplies resources to His people so they can return them for His work (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Giving is voluntary, heartfelt, and measured by willingness, not amount (2 Corinthians 9:7). • When God assigns a task—whether a tent in the wilderness or a church plant today—He expects His people to finance it. Practical Ways to Contribute Today • Regular, proportionate tithes and offerings to the local church (Malachi 3:10). • One-time gifts for building, renovation, or church-planting projects—modern parallels to tabernacle construction. • Funding missionaries, seminaries, and Bible translators that expand gospel reach (Philippians 4:17). • Meeting urgent needs: benevolence funds, food pantries, crisis relief (Acts 4:34-35). • Investing in digital evangelism—streaming equipment, websites, Bible apps—so truth travels farther, faster. • Donating professional skills or materials: carpentry, tech support, graphic design, land, vehicles. • Including kingdom causes in estate planning, ensuring resources keep working after we’re gone. Guarding the Heart Behind the Gift • Give the “firstfruits” rather than leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Avoid the snare of public show; the Father “who sees in secret” rewards openly (Matthew 6:1-4). • Remember ownership: we’re managers, not proprietors (Psalm 24:1). • Keep eternal perspective: “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Assured Blessings for Obedient Givers • Spiritual fruit credited to our account (Philippians 4:17). • God meets our needs “according to His riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19). • Open-handed generosity invites Heaven’s windows to open (Malachi 3:10). • Increased capacity to give again; “whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). This Week’s Action Steps 1. List all income streams and set aside a first-portion gift before spending anything else. 2. Identify one ministry or missionary beyond your church budget and send a special offering. 3. Survey your possessions—tools, vehicles, digital subscriptions—and ask which could serve the body of Christ. 4. Schedule a meeting with church leadership to learn current needs you might quietly meet. 5. Share a brief testimony with a friend about how God has provided when you stepped out in faith; encourage them to do likewise. Applying Exodus 38:29 means transforming the bronze, dollars, skills, and time God has entrusted to us into living, breathing ministry so that His presence is known in our generation. |
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