Exodus 35

ScriptureExodus 35:5From what you have, take an offering for the Lord.Observation - What does it say?

After receiving all the instructions, Moses assembled all the Israelites. It was time to get to work! They had the plans and the next step was gathering the materials and workers needed. So, God spoke through Moses that day commanding all the Israelites who were willing to offer what they had to help complete the project, whether material or skills. No one was demanded to offer something he didn’t have, but rather to offer to God “from what you have.”

Understanding - What does it mean?God had blessed his people with materials and skills to fulfill the great task he had given them. Exodus 12:35-36 tells us that God moved on the hearts of the Egyptians to give them all kinds of articles of gold, silver and clothing as they were leaving Egypt. Then God supernaturally gave them skills in all kinds of areas, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab who would teach others these skills. I’m sure the light bulb went on for many of them as Moses spoke that God had given them these things for this very project.What struck me is that God specified for the people to offer from what they had. He had given them resources and skills, and now they learn the reason why: those resources and skills were needed to accomplish God’s work.I’m reminded of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The man entrusted different amounts to each of his servants while he was gone. When he came back, regardless of how many talents each had, he judged them based on what they did with them. Did they produce something with what they were given? What we learn is that it doesn’t matter how much you have, but what you do with what you have.God gives his people skills and resources with the desire that they would offer them back to God and use them to accomplish his plans.Life Application

Today, I feel moved to offer back to God what he has given me!

What skills has God given me? What resources has God given me?How can I offer those things back to God to accomplish his plans?

God, thank you for all that you’ve blessed us with! We recognize that all the skills you’ve given us, the resources you’ve given us, the passions and desires you’ve given us, all point to your plans for our lives. May we not be selfish, but willingly offer back to you all these things to help build up your church and fulfill the mission you’ve given us. Amen.

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