Grateful Hearts Lead to Cheerful Giving
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 for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.'"
Moses declared the words of the Lord in his commandments and the covenant. Now, Moses reminded the people of the covenant between them and God-to honor the Sabbath. This commandment is reiterated at this point for a very specific reason. Yes, the people have repeatedly heard that they are to rest on the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Moses reminded them yet again because the work of the tabernacle was about to begin. In this holy and special work unto the Lord, there was the temptation to think that holy work should continue, but even their work on God's tent ceased on the Sabbath that they might enjoy their rest in him.
The Lord knows man's propensity towards work. As God's chosen people, the Israelites were to maintain their covenantal commitment to honor the Sabbath. This differentiated them from every other people group and every other nation. They were to stand apart as God's beloved children. Because God loved them, he honored them with this one day on which they were to do no work. The Sabbath was a weekly reminder to them that just as God had provided for them throughout their journey, he would continue to do so. Their weekly Sabbath rest practically demonstrated trust in the Lord.
With that understanding, Moses led the people in the collection for the tabernacle. People brought contributions for the construction of the tabernacle, the articles within the tabernacle, the spices and oils needed, as well as the fabrics needed for the priestly garments. Notice that there were no particulars given to any one person as to how much or specific items. Instead, they were encouraged to give from "generous hearts." Generosity flows out of a heart filled with abundance of love for God. In giving of their own goods, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to the Lord, and their desire to be with him. All that he commanded in the way of building the tabernacle, they wanted to do out of the motivation of the heart.
Indeed, their hearts had been broken over their sin. Now it would be time to move forward with the Lord, to leave the sin of idolatry and to embrace a whole-hearted commitment to the Lord. That commitment was seen in their obedience - obedience to honor the Sabbath, obedience to bring contributions, and obedience to obey the Ten Commandments. Instead of being stuck in their sin and guilt, the Israelites embraced the way forward with the Lord.
Sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck - stuck in sin, stuck in guilt, stuck in regret. Paul encourages the Roman church to move on just as Moses encouraged the Israelites to move on: "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4) The steadfast love of the Lord towards his people led them to grieve their sin and turn from that sin (at least temporarily). In the same way, the steadfast love of the Lord, the patience of the Lord, and the kindness of the Lord compel us from within our hearts to leave the grips of sin and embrace the abundant grace of God. It is not law that changes a heart, but the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He is a gift to remind us of the Lord's work on our behalf, and a certain provision to help us in our times of need. Jesus took all our sin, guilt, and regret so that we can live free and forgiven, healed by his stripes, empowered by his presence.
Reflection:
Are you moving forward in your walk with the Lord or are you constantly looking back - replaying sin, guilt, and regret? The Lord calls you to leave your burdens at the foot of the cross, to see that you are washed and cleansed through the waters of baptism, and free to live as his beloved child. Ask for the Holy Spirit to set you free and fill you with his grace.
Moses declared the words of the Lord in his commandments and the covenant. Now, Moses reminded the people of the covenant between them and God-to honor the Sabbath. This commandment is reiterated at this point for a very specific reason. Yes, the people have repeatedly heard that they are to rest on the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Moses reminded them yet again because the work of the tabernacle was about to begin. In this holy and special work unto the Lord, there was the temptation to think that holy work should continue, but even their work on God's tent ceased on the Sabbath that they might enjoy their rest in him.
The Lord knows man's propensity towards work. As God's chosen people, the Israelites were to maintain their covenantal commitment to honor the Sabbath. This differentiated them from every other people group and every other nation. They were to stand apart as God's beloved children. Because God loved them, he honored them with this one day on which they were to do no work. The Sabbath was a weekly reminder to them that just as God had provided for them throughout their journey, he would continue to do so. Their weekly Sabbath rest practically demonstrated trust in the Lord.
With that understanding, Moses led the people in the collection for the tabernacle. People brought contributions for the construction of the tabernacle, the articles within the tabernacle, the spices and oils needed, as well as the fabrics needed for the priestly garments. Notice that there were no particulars given to any one person as to how much or specific items. Instead, they were encouraged to give from "generous hearts." Generosity flows out of a heart filled with abundance of love for God. In giving of their own goods, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to the Lord, and their desire to be with him. All that he commanded in the way of building the tabernacle, they wanted to do out of the motivation of the heart.
Indeed, their hearts had been broken over their sin. Now it would be time to move forward with the Lord, to leave the sin of idolatry and to embrace a whole-hearted commitment to the Lord. That commitment was seen in their obedience - obedience to honor the Sabbath, obedience to bring contributions, and obedience to obey the Ten Commandments. Instead of being stuck in their sin and guilt, the Israelites embraced the way forward with the Lord.
Sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck - stuck in sin, stuck in guilt, stuck in regret. Paul encourages the Roman church to move on just as Moses encouraged the Israelites to move on: "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4) The steadfast love of the Lord towards his people led them to grieve their sin and turn from that sin (at least temporarily). In the same way, the steadfast love of the Lord, the patience of the Lord, and the kindness of the Lord compel us from within our hearts to leave the grips of sin and embrace the abundant grace of God. It is not law that changes a heart, but the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He is a gift to remind us of the Lord's work on our behalf, and a certain provision to help us in our times of need. Jesus took all our sin, guilt, and regret so that we can live free and forgiven, healed by his stripes, empowered by his presence.
Reflection:
Are you moving forward in your walk with the Lord or are you constantly looking back - replaying sin, guilt, and regret? The Lord calls you to leave your burdens at the foot of the cross, to see that you are washed and cleansed through the waters of baptism, and free to live as his beloved child. Ask for the Holy Spirit to set you free and fill you with his grace.
No Comments