Scripture Reading and Thoughts - July 8, 2008

Posted by David Jesse

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE READING: Exodus 35:1-38:20; I Kings 7:40-50; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Hebrews 9:1-14; Revelation 11:1-13Today we continue with the building of the Tabernacle. Yesterday we learned about B'tzal'el and Oholi'av, who were singled out by YHWH to work on the Tabernacle. But something very interesting happens in today's passage.Exodus 36:2 says, Moshe summoned...everyone whose heart stirred him, to come take part in the work. There are those who were specifically singled out for a designated purpose in the building of the Tabernacle, but then there were also those whose love for YHWH caused their hearts to stir when they saw what He was doing, and they acted.Exodus 36:3-7 goes into great detail about the offerings that were brought forth for the Tabernacle. Something very interesting is that after they had brought all that was needed for the Tabernacle, they continued to come daily to bring their offerings. The workers were forced to stop construction and go to Moses and tell him that they were getting too much. In verse 6 Moses commands the people, "Neither men nor women are to make any further efforts for the sanctuary offering."WHAT? Did I read that right? So much came in that Moses had to tell the people to stop?Let's not even talk about money. We won't go there. Lets talk about YOU. (In fact, let's talk about me too.) Are you giving to God all of yourself every day? Are you so committed to ministry and service that there are pastors and leaders in your community who have to say, "We've got too many people who want to serve. Tell them we don't need them."We both know the answer to that.It kind of stings, doesn't it?David

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