The early Israelites whom God rescued from Egypt had their fair share of shortcomings. From not fully trusting in the Lord that rescued them and instead choosing to complain. To quickly turning from God to a golden idol when the man of God was gone for a period of time. Multiple times they fell into sinful behavior and angered the Lord. But the Bible records that in one area they greatly excelled, giving.
Yes, those early Israelites who so often fell had a heart for giving to the work of the Lord. Which in their time meant giving all that was necessary to construct the tabernacle. The Bible records that they gave all that was needed to make everything the Lord had instructed Moses to build. Then continued to bring offerings day after day.
Exodus 35:21 (ESV)
21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.
Exodus 36:3 (ESV)
3 And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning,
In fact, the Bible goes on to say that they brought too much. The people gave a great amount to the building project and showed no signs of stopping. Those in charge of completing the work finally had to tell Moses the people had given too much. Causing Moses to tell everyone to stop giving. Something impossible to imagine today.
Exodus 36:5–7 (ESV)
5 and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” 6 So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, 7 for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.
Many other generations in the Bible are recorded as being generous. Willing to give all they can in order to further the work of the Lord. But no other generation is known for giving too much to the Lord. No other group of people in the Bible was ever told to cease from giving because they had already given more than enough.
This account stands in stark contrast to the culture we are living in today. As churches everywhere struggle to see their members give even ten percent of what they have unto the Lord. Knowing all that we do and having the complete Bible modern believers should be willing to give even more than our ancient counterparts. As scripture clearly teaches on giving. Showing the expectation placed on every believer to further the work of the Lord. As well as the blessings often associated with giving.
1 Timothy 6:17–19 (ESV)
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Acts 20:35 (ESV)
35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Luke 6:38 (ESV)
38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Malachi 3:10 (ESV)
10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)
17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will repay him for his deed.
That’s not to mention the many passages of scripture that speak of the dangers of loving money. As well as calling believers to not store up their treasures on earth but in Heaven. Scriptures that should make us all the more willing to give freely to those in any worthy cause.
1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Christians are meant to be givers and we should strive to be like those recorded in the book of Exodus. Giving all we can to the work of the Lord. Giving so much that we too are told we have given more than enough. Our goal should be as the whole church body to meet every need with more than they have requested. Every person giving all they can to see the Lord’s work accomplished.
Let’s not let it be said that only one generation in history was known for giving too much. They gave and completed great work in a desolate place. Just imagine the work the church could accomplish today if everyone was as willing to give as they were. They gave from the blessings God has given them and we should do the same.
The world would not be able to contain the blessings that would come if daily the church gave freely from a loving and devout heart. That generation of Israelites will always be known for giving too much unto God’s work. A great act to be known for and one we should want to be known for today as well. Doing all we can to not be remembered as the stingy generation.
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