Exodus 36:5 And
they said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing
the work the Lord commanded to be done.” (NIV)
It was a beautiful act of community generosity and a
wonderful witness of God’s people. Moses must have been very pleased with the
response that his people gave to the request for money and materials to build
the Holy Tabernacle. As a leader, Moses would have been gratified at how
cheerfully the people gave and how effectively their resources could be used.
And as a man of faith, Moses must have felt proud that his people honored God
in this respectful and generous way. In fact, the people gave so much, that
Moses had to send out a special request to give no more because all that was
needed had been provided by the community.
On Sunday mornings, the combined offering in many
churches enables them to fulfill the ministries and missions that God calls
each congregation to undertake. Individuals could not do it on their own, but
when the community of God’s people pools their resources as a thankful free-will
offering, they are not just being grateful for the blessings that God has
given, they are also being good stewards of God’s gifts. If our society and civilization
were to honestly stop and think about how Christians throughout the world make
the world a better place, perhaps they would better appreciate our faith.
Billions of dollars are used in millions of ways to preach the Word, spread the
Gospel, and continue Christ’s ministry in every land across the globe.
Thank you for your contributions and generosity which
make Christ’s churches better faith centers. Thank you for combining your gifts
to joyfully advance God’s Kingdom on Earth. May God bless all of your hopes and
dreams by allowing your plans to succeed.
Point to ponder
How does my giving contribute to Christ’s ministry?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to Your
Church in Earth and for the many ways which our time, talents, and money can be
used to enhance Your work in our congregations, communities, and around the
world. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully give and pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the
Scottish pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can
read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.
if you would like to send John an email – he reads them all – please write to
him at Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of
John’s latest Celtic Cross drawings called “Celtic Hope.” If you would like to
view a larger version, please click this link: Hope.
