Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering to the LORD, every man and woman… I. LET US COMPARE THEIR DESIGN IN ERECTING THE TABERNACLE WITH OURS. It was to establish a religion which, when we consider, we cannot but rejoice that we live in brighter days. Not that we would speak disrespectfully of a system which God Himself instituted; but we may safely say that it was inferior to ours. When the Jews laboured to build the Tabernacle they laboured to establish a religion that was — 1. Obscure. There was some light, but it was mingled with much darkness. The truths taught were enveloped in obscurity. 2. Their system was contracted. When they sought to build a Tabernacle, it was only for the use of a million or a million and a half of people. Theirs was a spirit of sectarianism. It was wisely appointed, indeed, to keep them from mingling with the heathen around them. But we cannot help rejoicing that we are not thus shut up. The gospel is designed for all nations, tongues, and people. 3. Their system was burdensome. Their observances were pompous, their rites were numerous and costly. But our yoke, in this respect, is easy, our burden is light. Here are but few institutions, and those are simple and efficient. 4. Their system was temporary. It was only suited to the Jewish meridian, it was only adapted to the service of the Tabernacle. Whereas the Christian system is adapted to every government, for it interferes with none; to every climate, for it is not regulated by the usages of country; to all people, for it is alike friendly to all. II. LET US COMPARE THE EXERTIONS OF THE JEWS WITH OURS, IN REFERENCE TO THESE RESPECTIVE SYSTEMS. 1. Their exertions were prompt. 2. General. 3. Proportionate.All seemed to ask, "What talent have I by which I may promote this cause?" If our Churches were possessed of this spirit, how much more would be done: ministers can preach and speak, but there must be collectors also, distributors of reports, etc. Those who have not a ready tongue, may have a flowing pen. III. LET US CONSIDER THE OBLIGATIONS UNDER WHICH THEY WERE LAID, AND UNDER WHICH WE ALSO ARE. LAID. 1. They had received a revelation from heaven. If they who received a revelation under the influence of terror did so much, we ought surely to do more! If they did so much under the smoke of Sinai, ought not the droppings of the cross to influence us? Oh, let us feel ashamed that we have made so few exertions. 2. They had experienced merciful deliverances from heaven. 3. They had enjoyed merciful supplies from heaven. (J. Blackburn.) Parallel Verses KJV: The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. |
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