And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” (Exodus 36:3b-5)
Do you remember the last time that people gave so generously to the Lord that the leaders had to stop the giving because it was too much? I don’t either. I find that troubling.
The overwhelming response of the Israelites following the Golden Calf Incident was remarkable. They were humbled before the Lord in an incredible way, and they were brought face to face with the reality of their sin. They understood that it was only by God’s grace that they were even alive. After all, they broke the first commandment just after it had been given!
Radical generosity to God grows from an awareness that we are but filthy rags before Him and that He, in His generosity, showered us with His grace and mercy.
When we come to a proper understanding of that truth, we can’t do anything but give generously to the Lord when the opportunity arises.
Father, help me to remember that everything I have is a gift from You and that it all simply results from Your generosity to me. In those moments when You ask me to give back to You, please help me to do so with generosity. Keep me from holding tightly on to my earthly treasure, and never allow that to prevent me from investing in my heavenly one.
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