Exodus 35:20-21 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.
2 Cor 9:7 (God loves a cheerful giver) again comes to mind as I read today’s verses. Repeatedly in today’s verses we have the idea that those who were willing, whose hearts were moved, gave what they had that was needed.
Exodus 35:22 All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.
God does not want grumpy givers, angrily handing over what they have, even though they don’t want to do it. He doesn’t want automatons, giving because they are programmed to give. He wants our hearts. He wants our willingness. He wants us to choose relationship with Him and all that it entails.
Exodus 35:23 Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or the other durable leather brought them.
Precious Savior, I know that I still have a lot of work to do in this area, giving with a willing heart. That scarcity mindset is deep in me, but with You, I have all that I need. Help me to give freely and with a cheerful heart so that I can more effectively be Your hands and feet in this world. Amen.
Exodus 35:24 Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to the Lord, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it.
Have a blessed day.