Exodus 38

ScriptureExodus 38:24The total amount of the gold from the wave offering used for all the work on the sanctuary was 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.Observation - What does it say?The Israelites freely offered from their own possessions all the valuable materials needed for building the sanctuary. Considering the gold alone, they offered the equivalent of about 2,200 lbs!Understanding - What does it mean?God deserves the best of what his people have.

What amazes me is the sheer amount that was freely given by the Israelites. They received no donation receipt or other goods in exchange for their offering. As a matter of fact, they received something way better in return, God’s presence with them! Often times we learn from reading Israel’s history what not to do. But here they set an incredible example for us giving not only what was most valuable, but lots of it!

Consider what they gave. The price of gold this morning is $1250.90/oz. That means the Israelites gave the modern day equivalent of $44,031,680 in gold! That doesn’t include the silver, bronze, fabric, wood, precious stones and countless hours of labor offered by the most skilled workers in Israel.

Today, our God given mission isn’t to build a temple but to build disciples. I can only imagine how much more ministry would be possible, how much quicker we would be multiplying disciples, if all God’s people including me offered the best of what they had! (God gave his best for us!) What if we all offered the best of our time and not just what’s left over, the best of our talent and skill and the best of our resources to reaching lost people with the gospel and discipling them?

Life ApplicationWhere have I been failing to give God my best? Where have I been giving God less than he deserves?

God, I want to give you my first and my best. You are worthy of it all! We are going to spend our time and talent and resources somewhere and I can’t think of any better place than on the mission you’ve given us. Forgive us for the times we put other things before you. Move upon our hearts to put your kingdom first and to trust you to take care of our needs as we do. Fill us with love for you and others. Fill us with faith. Amen.

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