Once the Lord had given instructions for how to build the tabernacle and directed the people to give toward its construction, the people went to work:
So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.” Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work (Exodus 36:1-7).
The skilled workers went about their work with enthusiasm and precision. And the people went about the task of giving what they had so the workers had what they needed to get the job done. What a great picture this creates. Everyone had an extravagant spirit, offering all they had in the way of creative gifts and wealth to ensure that the work of the Lord was completed.
This is the same way God's people today should approach their lives and work. We should all give of our gifts freely and without reservation. Some who have financial or other resources of value should offer them with no trace of greed or selfishness. If we all flowed in extravagance, then perhaps it would be said of us what was said of the early church:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need (Acts 4:32-35).
Do you have an extravagant spirit where your gifts and possessions are concerned? Do you give freely, so much so that others have to say "Enough!"? Do you deploy your skills at least some of the time to do the work of the Lord for no pay, just for the joy of singing your song and being who you are? Keep in mind you don't have to serve the Lord, you get to do so and therefore should give as extravagantly as He has given to you.
Comments