How can we offer our "onyx stones" to God's work today? A Living Picture from the Wilderness “and onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece.” (Exodus 35:9) The Israelites’ contributions were tangible, precious, and purpose-driven. Their onyx stones became adornments for garments that spoke of God’s presence and priestly mediation. Nothing was wasted, everything was worship. Why Onyx Still Matters • God still appoints skilled work and lavish beauty for His glory (Exodus 35:30-35). • He still invites willing hearts, not forced compliance (Exodus 35:5, 29). • He still uses specific gifts for specific ministry needs (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Our “onyx stones” are the costly, treasured resources He has entrusted to us—material, relational, vocational, and spiritual. Recognizing Your Modern Onyx Stones 1. Material Resources – Savings, property, tools, technology, vehicles, specialized equipment. 2. Vocational Skills – Craftsmanship, administration, teaching, counseling, medical care, coding, media production. 3. Time & Energy – Sabbaths protected, evenings freed, retirement years leveraged, strength offered while it lasts (Psalm 90:12). 4. Spiritual Gifts – “grace-given gifts, differing according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:6): mercy, leadership, generosity, exhortation, hospitality, intercession. 5. Networks & Influence – Mentoring relationships, industry connections, social platforms, neighborhood trust, civic credibility. How to Present Them Willingly • Yield the title deed: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Decide prayerfully and personally: “Each one should give what he has determined in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Bring excellence, not leftovers: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). • Offer with joy, not display: “When you give…do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). Practical Channels for Your Stones – Fund a missionary’s language school tuition or emergency vehicle. – Underwrite counseling sessions for families in crisis. – Lend professional expertise to a church plant's legal filings or building plans. – Equip a media team with cameras, software, or training. – Host refugees, foster children, or itinerant ministers in a spare room. – Provide scholarships for Bible college students preparing for ministry. – Volunteer niche skills—graphic design, plumbing, bookkeeping—during a short-term missions build. The Divine Response “God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Provision follows obedience (Philippians 4:19). • Joy overtakes the giver (Acts 20:35). • Eternal reward outshines temporal cost (Matthew 6:20). Stepping into the Pattern Just as the wilderness tabernacle glimmered with donated onyx, today’s church shines when believers release treasured assets into God’s hands. Identify your stones, loosen your grip, and watch the Master Craftsman set them into places of eternal beauty. |
    |