THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 35-40
“And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.” (Exodus 36:6-7)
Paul speaks about how the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Here we see that cheerful generosity in action, for the building of the tabernacle.
I have been part of building campaigns where more money came in than expected.
These times have been inspiring and encouraging, to see the church pulling together.
But sadly I have not seen similar explosions of generosity for compassionate ministries.
I’ve seen generosity, and individual generosity, but campaigns to address a social concern?
We get excited about building campaigns, but what about kingdom campaigns?
Sometimes when there is a terrible disaster we see such a response in our country.
But do wee see our churches organizing campaigns to address poverty, or hunger, or sickness?
There have been such campaigns, I can think of a few high profile church campaigns like this.
What would it take to unite your church around a serious social concern?
To repair the spiritual temple, to invest in people, not just property?
What would it take to explode with this kind of generosity in my church?
At this time of year many churches collect food for food banks.
I see a few boxes or cans or bags… but what if we exploded with generosity?
If the food banks had to restrain us, because they could not handle the volume?
Maybe we could call this a Macedonian explosion:
“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may our church explode with generosity, so much so that we have to be restrained from giving so much!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
“The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done. All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.”
Unity.
Generosity.
Giving freely, willingly for the Lord’s service.
And today?
Do we do the same? Give until there is more than enough. In the church I attend there is always a shortage to carry out the work of the Lord. People give but not necessarily willingly. And in what spirit?
Out of our abundance – some?
How do we see the work of the Lord this day? Am I an enabler to carrying out that work. Then the people gave willingly. I must do the same – give willingly – so that he kingdom work can be carried out – rebuilding of the kingdom. I need to be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block in this process.
Freely give for His work to be accomplished.
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name.
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his love as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
All pow’r is giv’n in Jesus’ name
in earth and heav’n in jesus name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his pow’r as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
God gives us life in Jesus’ name
he lives in us in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his peace as he told me to.