Offerings For The Tabernacle

In today's reading, Exodus 35:10 - 36:38, we learn that Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and told them the Lord commanded they give from their resources. He said that everyone who was willing was to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood, olive oil for the light; spices for the annointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. In addition, all who were skilled among them were to come and make everything the Lord had commanded for the Tabernacle, such as the tent and its covering, the clasps, frames, crossbars, post, bases, the ark with its poles, the atonement cover and curtain that shielded it, the table and lampstand with its accessories, etc. and even the woven garments for Aaron the priest and for his sons when they served as priests.

The whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses' presence, and "everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him" came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. ALL were invited to contribute materials, but only "from a willing heart".

Why is it important that offerings are given with a willing heart? God has made us promises as it pertains to "giving". Acts of giving bring rewards in this life and the one to come. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, it reads "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Yes, God looks at the attitude of our heart when we present our offering in the Tabernacle. Therefore, we need to check ourselves to make sure that our gift to the Lord is a generous gift which is given cheerfully and not one which is grudgingly given. The generous giver will be given increasing means to give (God will increase our store of seed) and increasing fruit. Yes, God will supply the "generous giver" with enough to meet his own needs and enough to give for every good work.

Let's ask ourselves: Do I have the spirit of the Corinthians when giving, meaning Do I give with "enthusiasm"? Do I, as the priests did, lay my offering on the altar immediately upon entering the Tabernacle? What would happen if I was the first to jump to my feet to give when asked to sow a seed? When we give cheerfully, exhibiting great enthusiasm, it serves both as an example and an incentive to others to give also. God said in His word that He gives seed to the sower. Praise God! Submitted by Minister-elect Joanne Thomas, the dReam center church of Atlanta under the awesome leadership of william h. murphy, iii, Lead Pastor and Pastor danielle murphy.