EXODUS 25
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. 3 And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair, 5 tanned rams’ skins, goatskins, acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. – Exodus 25:1-9
EXODUS 25 CONTRIBUTION FOR GOD’S SANCTUARY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
The Lord required his people to give a contribution for a sanctuary
He required them to give out of their heart’s desire
They were not forced to give anything that wasn’t voluntary
The sanctuary is a place where the Lord can dwell in their midst.
It is interesting that God requires his people to participate in building a sanctuary where he could dwell among them. You’re probably wondering just like me why God wants participation from his people when he could actually provide everything for himself to build a place they can meet with him.
I think that God was teaching his people skills like accountability, resourcefulness, generosity and stewardship. God is not like a genie that most human beings think. He is more like a good parent who wants to teach the children life skills so that they will develop good habits and a value system that generates teamwork, resourcefulness, responsibility and genuine interest in God and in others.
We were all made in God’s image and we are all capable of these skills because God gave it to us. When we get something without working for it, that just makes for entitled people. When we work hard for something and get involved in doing it with others, there is love and community building. God wants the communion of saints to grow.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think verse 2 mentions to give when their hearts are moved?
