Exodus 36 - More Than Enough

In our times, I don't think I have ever heard a ministry say, "Stop giving! We have everything we need", but in this chapter we find Moses restraining the people from giving more for the building of the Tabernacle (Ex 36:5-7). God had moved in the people's hearts to give them a desire to give generously. 

God Given Provision

This abundant giving did not originate with the people however. All provision came from God. Likely some of the precious metals were from the Egyptians as they were fleeing in the Exodus (Ex. 12:35-36). In our own lives if we recognize God is the provider of our wealth and well being we hold to possessions more loosely and give thanks to our God more readily. 

God Given Talent

In addition to giving wealth, God also equips His people with the skills they need to serve Him (Ex. 36:2). If we receive our talent from God it seems fitting that we should wholeheartedly yield to Gods call in our life for service. Not everyone is called to serve as a pastor, but we all have skills we can contribute to the body to make it effective in reaching out to the community. Not all of us are missionaries but our service speaks volumes about our faith and we are all called to witness the gospel to the world around us lost and dying. 

Faithful Service

Exodus 36:8-38 details the faithful service of the nation of Israel in constructin the tabernacle according to God's design. When we apply ourselves with our provision and our talents to faithful service, God is honored and we get the blessing of being in fellowship in God's work. We know that all God's plans are good and that He will not let them fail - they always brig glory to our Lord. 

Our propensity in the flesh is to hoard our talents and wealth or spend them on ourselves in fleshly living. God does provide for our needs and we do have food and necessities for the day. If we give to God off the top (first) we will find that there is enough to sustain us and even provide for some of our wants in life as well!  

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.