Bible in 365 Days – Day 43

Focus Chapters:

• Exodus 35-36

Standout Verse(s):

Exodus 35:21-29 NLT

All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments. Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the Lord their offerings of gold—brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the Lord. All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather. And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them as a sacred offering to the Lord. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project.

All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth. All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn. The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece. They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense. So the people of Israel—every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the Lord had given them through Moses—brought their gifts and gave them freely to the Lord.

Exodus 36:5-7 NLT

They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!”

So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.

Observation (s):

1. Only persons who were willing and committed contributed to the project.
   
   

   All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. So the people of Israel—every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the Lord had given them through Moses—brought their gifts and gave them freely to the Lord.

   
   
2. The Israelites contributed two kinds of gift when building the Tabernacle: material gifts and skills.
   
   

   All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn. The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece.

   
   
3. The people gave until the stated need was no more. They gave until there was enough to complete the project.
   
   

   So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.

Application:

It is incredibly beautiful what willing and passionate hearts can achieve when we work together. Every willing Israelite had a part to play in building the Tabernacle to God’s specification. Moses, the leader, could not do it alone. He needed a team of persons who were passionate and eager to complete the work God had given them.

Moses needed persons who were willing to provide the materials and gifts. Note that building the Tabernacle was not only about providing the materials. The project required investment of another kind. There was a great need for persons who were willing to freely invest their time and skills!

The truth is, Moses needed as many persons with the gift of spinning and sewing as he needed persons who provided materials. Together, they made the dream team because they were eager to work and give! Check this out! The Israelites contributed until there was no longer a need. Their contributions were enough to complete the entire project. What is your contribution like?