Recent history suggests that immediately following the next devastating earthquake, massive hurricane or destructive tornado, a request for immediate aid will be communicated using the media. Commercials, hotlines and organizations will use death tolls, images of desolation and pictures of orphans left behind to stir the hearts of Americans to give. While the money collected does help some, corruption, mishandling of these funds and scam artists prevent these needs from becoming 100 % satisfied. Thus, a lack of trust has restrained many from giving to these noble causes.
In the Old Testament, Israel appears selfish after enduring 400 years of slavery in Egypt. Despite receiving manna from heaven and quail, their hearts lacked gratitude, always wanting more. Subsequently, their faith wavered, eventually creating a golden calf to worship once a rumor that Moses had died spread throughout their camp. Perhaps, God’s punishment and the deaths of 3,000 countrymen finally got their attention. Between Exodus 33 and 35, a transformed took place within the hearts of God’s chosen people, from restraint to generosity.
When Moses expressed God’s plan for the Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, Courtyard and all the resources necessary for construction of each sacred item, entire families were moved by the Spirit of the Lord. According to Exodus 36:3, a free will offering was received every morning during the building process. Instead of giving once, the spirit of giving flowed day after day, inspired by the big picture, seeing God’s plans completed. The workers received so many supplies that Moses had to announce an order to stop giving, Exodus 36:5-6. If only this Spirit could be recaptured today, the poor, needy and helpless would be eliminated, restraining giving until the next crisis.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 