Exodus 24-27
Giving to the Lord

In Exodus 25, Yahweh gave instructions to His people on the building of a structure of religious significance-the tabernacle. But, while God gave the instructions on its construction, the materials for its construction were to be furnished by the people. "Tell the sons of Israel to raise contributions for me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution," Exodus 25:2.

Verses 3-7 detail what was to be given: precious metals, stones and cloth, animal skins and hair. All these things were given by the people to build a house for God. And, Exodus 37 tells us that the people gave so much, they had to be turned away!

While God provides the instruction, He has always expected man to give something in order to approach Him. While what man brings is often of no great significance, he never approaches God empty-handed. Cain and Abel had to bring something to the Lord. The Jews, in all their sacrifices, had to bring something to the Lord. Even in the New Testament, the apostle Paul commended the Macedonians who sacrificed to the Lord. "For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God," 2 Corinthians 8:3-5. While their giving was to help one another, they understood their sacrifice ultimately as going to God.

Perhaps one of the reasons why our service to God is sometimes hollow to us (and likely to God) is our failure to really bring something to sacrifice for Him. Our service is too easy. It cost us little, if anything. Yet, as always, God expects something.

So, what are you bringing to the Lord in your service to Him? Day after day, are you taking time to pray and praise?

What are you bringing to the Lord in your worship? Are you sacrificing time to come? Are you sacrificing "a good time" Saturday night so you will be rested for the first day of the week? Are you giving Him your attention in song and during the preaching of the sermon?

What are you bringing to the Lord in your contribution? Could you afford a nice car payment every month with what you give? Or, would your monthly contributions barely cover the cost at a nice restaurant (if that)?

What are you bringing to the Lord in your love for the brethren? Will you sacrifice pride and reclusive ness in order to join hearts with other worshippers?

The bottom line is God does not need anything from us any more than He needed precious metals and objects from the Hebrews of old. He invites us to participate in our service to Him. In so doing, we are richly blessed.