Acceptable Offerings
Today’s Reading: Exodus 23:14-25:40
My selection: Exodus 25:1-2
The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.
My reflections: The Lord ordered Moses to instruct the people to make contributions as their hearts moved them but these contributions had to be of certain specified commodities, for example: gold, silver, bronze, certain skins, yarns, and woods (vs. 3-7).
There was freedom to contribute for those whose hearts were moved to do so but only according to the list of items needed. Moses in vs. 9 was ordered to follow the pattern for the tabernacle and its furniture exactly as he had been shown.
God will not accept offerings on our terms.
1. Offerings must be from the heart (II Corinthians 9:7).
2. Offerings must be of the kind He specifies to build the tabernacle.
My challenge: We are foolish if we attempt to make offerings to God without regard for His Word and will. Do you give to the Lord from a sincere, cheerful heart? Do you give in order to build up His Church, which is the New Testament equivalent of the Old Testament tabernacle? Check your offering practices and attitudes. Be sure they actually comply with God’s Word.
Tomorrow’s reading: Exodus 26:1-28:30