Abundant Giving

Exodus 36:2-5 Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. 3 They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. 4 So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5 and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”
 
WHAT a wonderful testimony this is to God’s presence among his people. What prompted this generous, overflowing giving to build God’s sanctuary in the desert?
     Israel was now united under God’s grace and rule. At this point in their journey with God, the Nation was beginning to change from an attitude of “Why, God, did you make us leave our lives in Egypt?” to “Thank you, Lord, for freeing us from bondage.” They were beginning to realize and believe in their heart the Lord God had come to transform their lives. God’s chosen people saw his miracles and heard his just law. Israel learned God’s words of penalty and promise. They have witnessed his justice. They have seen his tender care. Now they begin to worship him as one people under God.  
     This unity under God was also vital, of course, in the first-century church. The Holy Spirit unified people of all nations, customs and belief systems. That’s why the communion of the saints – the togetherness of the church – is one consistent teaching point in New Testament epistles. The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:21-22: In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
     The building is the church – not a physical church - but the people God has chosen. He forms this New Testament Nation to be a holy place of worship as the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer. When God’s people today truly begin to understand his unprecedented resurrection power, we will rejoice in our freedom from sin’s slavery. Joyfully, the church will gladly offer abundant gifts, even our money.
     The Jews were grateful for their physical redemption. They built God’s physical home. Are you in awe of your spiritual redemption? In what generous way will you help build God’s spiritual kingdom?  
 
LIFE Link: Give abundantly to the One who gives Abundant Life.