Session 28

What happens when everyone gives what God says

From Exodus: A 34-Day Devotional

How many times have you written your tithe check or thrown the contents of your wallet into the offering plate and thought, “Good luck with that, God?” Often we discouragingly give our tithes because it seems measly in comparison to what doctors, lawyers, and other wealthy givers contribute.

In Exodus 36 and Exodus 37, the Israelites were busy constructing the inside of the tabernacle, the place where God’s people could go to worship and meet with Him. Moses had previously asked everyone to give whatever they could to contribute to this massive undertaking. After all, they were building the place where God Himself would live among them. How could they possibly gather enough to reach the ambitious goal set before them?

The builders tell Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done (Exodus 36:5).” Moses actually had to ask the people to stop bringing their offerings! In addition to their regular tithes, God’s people brought any offering they could. If only a few people had given, there would probably not have been much to work with. But with God’s people working together, each giving generously from their heart, they had more than enough.

The next time we’re tempted to wonder how our seemingly small offering could contribute to God’s work, remember the tabernacle. With the hands and offerings of ordinary, generous people, the place God lived was built.

Reflect:

• Do you find it difficult to be generous? If so, why?
• What is one thing that could be accomplished if everyone in the church was generous?
• What is one way you could contribute to the work God is doing around you? Find out more about giving at newspring.cc/give