Day 31
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| Tabernacle Filled with Cloud of God's Glory |
Observation
Exodus closes with the record of the actual construction of the tabernacle—the building in which God will meet his people as they journey to Canaan. The vast project requires the cooperation of many individuals. When the tabernacle is completed at last, God gives his approval by filling the structure with the cloud of his glory. Israel is now prepared to worship God while "on the march."
Application
Imagine this scene taking place in your church some Sunday. Right in the middle of the offering, the pastor is handed a note and speaks into the mic to announce to the congregation, “Please, stop the offering! The plates are overflowing with gifts, and all our needs have been met. You’ve already given too much!”
Sound doubtful and unheard of? Well, that is precisely what happened when the Israelites willingly and wholeheartedly contributed to the tabernacle as God had commanded (35:2-29) and (36:5-7). It may seem as though they may have been reduced to poverty by giving to God’s work, but that wasn’t the case. God was already supplying all their needs, as he would continue to do for the next forty years.
When you realize that everything you have is a gift from God’s hand (1 Corinthians 4:7), your giving will take on a fresh new meaning. Try it! Set aside one dollar or more each day this week, and send it to your church or a missionary family as a special “thank you offering” in recognition of God’s goodness to you. And if God has blessed you in a special way financially, why not make a substantial gift to a specific project of Godly principles? Perhaps, you too will hear the words, “Sorry, we don’t need that much!”
Sound doubtful and unheard of? Well, that is precisely what happened when the Israelites willingly and wholeheartedly contributed to the tabernacle as God had commanded (35:2-29) and (36:5-7). It may seem as though they may have been reduced to poverty by giving to God’s work, but that wasn’t the case. God was already supplying all their needs, as he would continue to do for the next forty years.
When you realize that everything you have is a gift from God’s hand (1 Corinthians 4:7), your giving will take on a fresh new meaning. Try it! Set aside one dollar or more each day this week, and send it to your church or a missionary family as a special “thank you offering” in recognition of God’s goodness to you. And if God has blessed you in a special way financially, why not make a substantial gift to a specific project of Godly principles? Perhaps, you too will hear the words, “Sorry, we don’t need that much!”
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being with us during today’s reading. We understand when we give ourselves to you first; then giving our possessions in tithes and offerings for your purposes will be easy and joyful. We know you love a cheerful giver—keep us, mold us and make us into what you will have us to be. In Jesus name amen!
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| Be a Cheerful Giver! |
