Back to God

"Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments. Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the Lord. Every man, who had in his possession blue and purple and scarlet material and fine linen and goats’ hair and rams’ skins dyed red and porpoise skins, brought them. Everyone who could make a contribution of silver and bronze brought the Lord’s contribution; and every man who had in his possession acacia wood for any work of the service brought it." -Exodus 35.21-24

Israel finally has been told about the Tabernacle, and that God will dwell among them there. And so they all begin to make contributions for the construction to begin. Everyone whose heart stirred him to contribute brought a contribution. They brought gold, silver, bronze, linen, and animal skins, and presented it so that the Lord would dwell among them.

The question we have to ask is where did they get all of this? They were slaves after all and would have not had riches. But God had told Moses that when the people were finally freed that they were to ask the Egyptians for gold and silver and clothing (Exodus 3.22, 12.35). All of their wealth was given to them because God put the fear of Israel into the Egyptians, their wealth was a gift from God. And now they are bringing it back and offering it to God.

Men, take a look around you right now, what do you own? Your house? Car? The stuff in your house? Look at your bank account. Take an inventory of your gifts and talents. Know where you got all of them? You might say you worked hard for what you have. You might say that you developed your talents over time with a lot of practice. To a point that could be true, but who allowed your work and practice to be successful? Everything that you and I own, every talent we have, is from God.

So we must ask the question, what will you do with what you have? Will you hoard it and store it for a rainy day? Will you use it to obtain more? Or will you give it back to the service of God? Will you use your house and car for ministry? Maybe you host a small group in your living room and disciple others. Maybe there is a young man who needs a ride to work. Will you use your talents to build the Kingdom? Maybe you can teach, will you teach others about God? Maybe you are a great administrator or good with finances, will you volunteer your time to the church, or those in the church who could benefit from your knowledge?

All that we have is a gift from God. When the people gave for the Tabernacle, God dwelt among them. If we offer what we have to God, He is able to dwell among us. Are you willing to give back to God?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor