The Joy of Giving

“…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.”  

Exodus 35:21 (NIV)

God did an incredible work in rescuing His covenantal followers, the kinsmen of Israel, from the throes of Egypt’s seemingly unbreakable grip. The man called to guide the Lord’s favored people from a land of captivity to a land of promise was Moses. He was God’s chosen spokesman and Israel’s spiritual guide for a truly historic event. After the Hebrews exited the world’s most formidable stronghold at the time, God reaffirmed His desire to be the sovereign ruler over Abraham’s lineage. Furthermore, the Lord outlined the specific means by which Israel could and should convey an earnest desire to adore Him. Therefore, Moses was provided detailed instructions regarding the proper posture and process to atone for individual and corporate transgressions. Such redemptive acts, coincidentally, foreshadowed the forthcoming, salvation-inducing effort of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

Moses rightly expressed God’s requirements for offerings and observances with the Hebrews. He did so knowing that it necessitated a humble, charitable response from everyone. In order to construct the articles of worship mandated by God people had to donate personal belongings. And the outpouring was substantial, as it should be within the community of faith. People gave previous metals, stones, and elegant fabrics for the cause. Some might have been tempted to hoard the gifts they received when they departed Egypt. After all, when you have lived so long with so little and then receive a windfall of prosperity why turn around and immediately give most of it away? But to praise God is to put Him above possessions and the trappings of a tightfisted mentality.

Admiration of God should cost us something. Otherwise it would not signify how much God really means to us. The fact that God called for the incorporation of valuables into worship is significant. It indicates that the things of this world are not the means of obtaining joy. Worldly valuable are not trophies to selfishly stockpile. Rather, the things of this world are confirmation of God’s provision, as well as a mechanism to honor our Maker and Lord.

This particular section in Exodus reflects the community of faith God longs to see, that being people contributing to the Lord and to the Lord’s work. It is probable that there were some who held out and chose not to help the cause. But the ones who did willingly supply from their treasuries made up the difference, and then some. It is remarkable what God’s people can do when we rally together. Lives change and labor prospers. It takes much conviction to relinquish what we have to God, to part with the tangible things. There is never a guarantee that the material blessings we surrender will come back to us, or be replenished. But by continually giving we exhibit an abiding spirit of praise and find a greater purpose in life. If we want to discover joy in living then we must unleash the joy of giving.