Daily Devotions
Exodus
"He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen." Deuteronomy 10:21
Text: Exodus 35 : 4-21
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE
Moses broached the subject of building a Tabernacle for the purpose of worship not too long ago. Much had happened since then. Israel had also forfeited the chance of relating to God because of idolatry. But God had mercifully and graciously passed over that sin. The idea of establishing a covenant was now confirmed. Surely this would be a good time to begin the construction of the Tabernacle. One question remained yet unanswered. Would the children of Israel respond favorably and positively if they were now asked to give meaningfully and sacrificially towards the Tabernacle building project?
“And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the
children of Israel, saying, ‘This is the thing which the LORD
commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you an offering
to the LORD…'”
EXODUS 35:4-5
1. Giving to be understood as a command from the Lord
Giving was never thought of as an option for Israel. Giving to the Lord was not to be confused with giving to a charitable cause. Giving was God’s very clear command to His people. He who is both Lord and God had every right to issue such a command to Israel!
2. A long list of items needed for the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:5-19)
God had given a very detailed plan for the construction of the Tabernacle. With the plans came the list of raw material needed for the construction of the Tent of Meeting (Cf. Exodus 25-28). It was now time to make plain to the congregation these needs! How would the congregation respond?
THE STIRRING OF THE HEARTS OF MANY IN ISRAEL
The congregation of Israel listened intently to Moses as he spoke about the construction of the Tabernacle. Each man returned to his own tent to ponder this challenge of supporting the Tabernacle building project. Soon, the congregation returned to Moses with their reply.
“And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed
from the presence of Moses. Then everyone came whose heart
was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they
brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of
meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.”
EXODUS 35:20-21
Hearts had been stirred deeply. Spirits were made willing. Surely a mighty moving of God’s spirit must be acknowledged to account for this spiritual revival.