Offering Our Possessions

God's People Worship
First Things
First Freedom

Beginning of Passover

Exodus 35:4-9

The Message

⁴ Moses spoke to the entire congregation of Israel, saying, “This is what God has commanded:

^5-9 “Gather from among you an offering for God. Receive on God’s behalf what everyone is willing to give as an offering: gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet material; fine linen; goats’ hair; tanned rams’ skins; dolphin skins; acacia wood; lamp oil; spices for anointing oils and for fragrant incense; onyx stones and other stones for setting in the Ephod and the Breastpiece.

For Reflection

It was typical for a king to tax his subjects, to set a requirement for giving and to enforce that requirement with force if necessary.  Establishing a tabernacle is an illustration of the equitable distribution of goods and services given in free will not only to God, but also, to the establishment and support of His kingdom.  The key characteristic of God's Kingdom is the free will distribution of goods and services from the faithful -- an offering to God and His work. The offerings were a gift, not a unilateral mandate, but, rather, preserving their right to judge what is appropriate, a voluntary offering from grateful people.  God is pleased to received offerings to His kingdom from willing hearts of a willing people. 

Pray

that each of God's faithful will bring gifts as they are able to the work of the Lord.  Pray that you will respond to the call of God to give of yourself willing and freely. Thank God for teaching his people the meaning of just distribution of goods and service to the glory of His kingdom.