What motivates you to contribute to God's work, as seen in Exodus 36:3? The scene at Sinai Israel has just been rescued from Egypt, has covenanted with the Lord, and now stands ready to build a tabernacle where God will dwell among them. Key verse “They received from Moses all the contributions the Israelites had brought to carry out the work for the service of the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning.” – Exodus 36:3 Snapshot of their motivation • Hearts stirred by redemption • Eagerness to see God’s presence among them • Joyful obedience to God’s explicit command • Contagious community enthusiasm Willing hearts led by grateful memory • The God who parted the sea now invites partnership. • Gratitude overflows: “The LORD has triumphed gloriously” (Exodus 15:1). • “Freely you have received; freely give” echoes forward (Matthew 10:8). Vision of God’s presence fuels generosity • Every gift helped create a visible sign that “I will dwell among them” (Exodus 29:46). • Awareness of divine nearness dislodges tight fists; giving becomes worship (Psalm 27:4). Obedient faith turns commands into joy • God had said, “Take from among you an offering… everyone whose heart impels him” (Exodus 35:5). • Command plus willingness equals delight, not drudgery (1 John 5:3). • Paul mirrors this: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Participation in community strengthens resolve • Morning after morning, momentum built. • Collective zeal encourages individual action (Hebrews 10:24). • The builders even had to restrain the people (Exodus 36:6)—a holy overflow. Continual flow becomes contagious • Repetition (“morning after morning”) shows sustained enthusiasm, not a one-off impulse. • Regular rhythms nurture lasting habits (Proverbs 3:9-10). Takeaways for modern disciples 1. Remember His rescue: rehearse personal and biblical testimonies of salvation. 2. Keep God’s presence central: invest where His glory is made known (Matthew 6:21). 3. Obey promptly: delay dulls spiritual sensitivity. 4. Serve together: align with a faithful local congregation; generosity spreads. Simple steps to act today • Begin the day recounting one way God has redeemed you. • Set aside a planned, proportional gift (1 Colossians 16:2). • Look for ongoing, not sporadic, opportunities. • Celebrate others’ generosity; let it spur greater devotion. Final encouragement The Israelites gave because they had seen the mighty hand of God, heard His voice, and longed for His dwelling among them. The same Lord now dwells within believers by His Spirit (1 Colossians 3:16). Let gratitude, vision of His glory, obedient faith, and shared enthusiasm keep you contributing to His work—morning after morning. |
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