What lessons on stewardship can we learn from Exodus 36:6? Setting the Scene “Then Moses commanded that they send out this message throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing more.” (Exodus 36:6) The tabernacle project had moved from vision to reality. Craftsmen had all they could possibly use, so Moses issued an unusual order: “Stop bringing gifts!” In one short verse we meet an overflowing generosity, a wise boundary, and a model for faithful stewardship. Key Observations • The giving was voluntary, not coerced (Exodus 35:21, 29). • Supply surpassed demand (Exodus 36:5). • Leadership monitored resources and communicated clearly. • The people trusted that withholding additional gifts would still honor God. Lessons on Stewardship 1. Generosity Starts With Willing Hearts • Exodus 35:21—“Everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7 echoes the principle: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give... for God loves a cheerful giver.” • True stewardship begins internally; external giving flows from internal devotion. 2. God Can Receive ‘Enough’ • The Lord who owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) is not impressed by sheer volume. • Contentment honors Him as much as contribution. 1 Timothy 6:6–8 reminds that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” • Recognizing “enough” guards against waste and pride. 3. Leadership Bears the Duty of Oversight • Moses discerned the moment to halt collection—demonstrating courage to set limits. • Proverbs 27:23—“Know well the condition of your flocks.” Good stewardship requires vigilant accounting, timely reports, and transparent communication. • Proper oversight protects both gifts and givers. 4. Boundaries Liberate, They Don’t Stifle • Stopping further donations freed families to use remaining resources for daily life, not endless building. • Luke 14:28 commends counting the cost before construction. Knowing limits avoids future burdens. 5. Stewardship Involves the Whole Community • “No man or woman” was excluded. Participation was broad, not selective. • 1 Chronicles 29:14 reflects the same spirit: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” • Shared ownership deepens shared joy. 6. Abundance Signals Divine Blessing, Not Human Boasting • The surplus testified to God’s work in Israel’s hearts. • Proverbs 11:24-25—“One gives freely, yet gains even more… A generous man will prosper.” • When abundance appears, credit goes upward, not inward. Practical Takeaways • Cultivate willingness before calculating amounts. • Track resources honestly; publish clear updates. • Don’t equate spirituality with endless fundraising. • Celebrate milestones; pause when goals are met. • Let every giver know their part matters, whether large or small. • Redirect excess to meet other kingdom needs rather than let it stagnate. Encouragement for Today The restraint in Exodus 36:6 was not a brake on worship but a banner of faithfulness. May every act of giving—time, talent, treasure—reach that same sweet point where God’s purposes are fully supplied and His people stand amazed that He let them join the work. |
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