The Baptist Digest

Too Much Giving?

By Gloria Garner

April 2008

One of the most fascinating Biblical accounts about giving is found in Exodus 36.

Previous chapters relate how God has given Moses detailed instructions of how and of what materials the tabernacle is to be constructed.

Moses has repeated those instructions to the people. He has also given them the message of God regarding who should give — only those whose spirit has been moved and who have a willing heart. The people respond eagerly with precious metals, brightly colored fabrics, animal skins, lamp oil, wood, jewelry and precious stones.

And that brings us to the extraordinary events of Chapter 36. Bezalel and Oholiab, craftsmen whom God had given the skill and understanding to do the construction work of the tabernacle, received the contributions from Moses as they continued pouring in day after day. The work on the tabernacle began
and still the materials kept coming.

After a time, the workers came to Moses with the news that, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the Lord commanded us to perform.”

So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, “Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.”

Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it. (Exodus 36:5-7 NASB)

Is this narrative not startling when we consider God’s imperative that only those with willing hearts and whose spirits have been moved should participate, and the response is nothing short of overwhelming? Would God that His people today might catch a glimpse of the amazing joy and satisfaction of being involved in His work through giving.

Contributions to the Kelley Shelton Women’s Leadership Fund enable women in Kansas and Nebraska to develop spiritually and in leadership abilities to help our churches accomplish God’s mission. The Yvonne Keefer Touch Tomorrow Today Fund will assist Kansas Nebraska wMu in developing people across our two states in missional living.

For information on these two funds or how to contribute, contact KNCSB Women in Missions and Ministry, (800) 984-9092.

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I thought you might like this article I read at baptistdigest.com. "Too Much Giving?" One of the most fascinating Biblical accounts about giving is found in Exodus 36.  Previous chapters relate how God has given Moses detailed instructions of how and of what materials the tabernacle is to be constructed.  Moses has repeated those instructions to the people. He has also given them the message of God regarding who should give — only those whose spirit has been moved and who have a willing heart. The people respond eagerly with precious metals, brightly colored fabrics, animal skins, lamp oil, wood, jewelry and precious stones. You can read the rest here: http://www.baptistdigest.com/archive/article/too_much_giving/