The Pilgrim Path---Exodus 35: 4 – 9

Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze; blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.”

“…A GENEROUS HEART”

An incredible segment of Mosaic literature. The directions for ancient Israel’s first worship center: The Tabernacle. All the design features. All the component parts given to Moses. All the images explained to Moses “on the Mount of God.” Then this command, “Have the people give what they are willing to give---from their heart.” Amazing, isn’t it? Think back…The LORD had told Moses that the Egyptians would be prepared to give HIS people “gifts” as they were leaving the nation of Egypt. All sorts of lavish adornments. Various pieces of jewelry. All manner of gold---Well, in the providence of God---this was for far more than the personal benefit of individual Jews. The question would be: would people “love” the glorious Father of Might and Mercy that “saved” them from bondage in Egypt? Would they gladly “give” of their newfound wealth to help create a “tabernacle” in which HE could be adored and honored as God of very God? Would it be a pleasure to give--- to bless and worship JEHOVAH? Well, the LORD has hoped the answer will be “yes” for them---and eventually “yes” for us…

“So the Israelites brought a freewill offering to the LORD, all the men and women whose hearts prompted them to bring something for all the work that the LORD, through Moses, had commanded to be done.” Exodus 35: 29

“Then all the artisans who were doing all the work for the sanctuary came one by one from the work they were doing and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than is needed for the construction of the work the LORD commanded to be done.’”

After Moses gave an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “Let no man or woman make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people stopped. The materials were sufficient for them to do all the work. There was more than enough. Exodus 36: 4 – 7

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9: 6, 7

From Stephen T. Um: If you find yourself lacking the impulse to give to those in need, you are likely forgetting the surpassing grace that was given to you while you were in need (II Cor. 9: 6). If you are unable to forgive, you have lost sight of the forgiveness that is yours in Christ. A forgiving heart is a forgiven heart. If you are unable to give something up, there is lack of appreciation for all that Christ gave up on your behalf. When you identify the area where gospel growth is lacking, you are identifying the place where you are failing to believe the gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to make Christ and the gospel real to you. This is what the Spirit delights to do.

From F. B. Meyer: Your salvation does not depend on what you are but on what HE is. For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ.

From Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Hoard not your wealth, waste not your time; let not your abilities rust or your influence be unused. Jesus kept not back, imitate Him by being foremost in self-denials and self-sacrifices.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason