“Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze, and blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and porpoise skins, and acacia wood, and oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastplate.” (vv.4-9)
Here in our text, the Lord tells the children of Israel (who are of a willing heart) to bring as the Lord’s contributions the various items necessary for the construction of the Tabernacle and the priest’s apparel. Notice only those ‘of a willing heart’ were to bring the contributions that the Lord had commanded. This is an indication that whatever it is that we may do for the Lord or give to the Lord must also be done from the heart, and because we want to do it. The Lord would rather us not give than to give under compulsion.
Giving is often just viewed as writing a check, but it is so much more than just money. Our lives are full of TIME that can be given freely to God’s work, along with our talents and skills. We see here in our text that both the Israelite women (v.25-26) and men (v.30-35) did just that. When one freely gives something, somehow the need to get something in return diminishes. Joy tends to grow as a result and you don't lose anything by giving.
Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap."Loosely translated, you can not our give God. He will not be in your debt. But when we do give, we are to give freely.
The Truth: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
