By Shirley Rosemarie Evans
20 So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. 21 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. 22 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. 23 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. 24 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.
25 All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth. 26 All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn. 27 The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece. 28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense. 29 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 35:20-29 (NLT)
“All whose hearts were stirred,” something about this statement grabs and holds my attention every time I read them. Throughout this episode the willingness, and the eagerness of the people to give generously is repeated. Firstly, from their possessions they gave the best of what they had, jewellery, wood, thread precious stones, spices and oil all were contributed. Then they gave their time and their skills. The people gave as they were directed by Moses who was instructed by God so even though their hearts were willing, they needed direction as to what to give. What is also clear from the passage is that the people knew that they were giving to the work of the Lord. We see that the gifts were not just from the wealthy, but both rich and poor gave, and it was a generous gift.
So what does it take to have a stirred heart – well it starts with a heart that is redeemed, having a proper perspective of God as the rightful owner of all, and the one who gives generously to all. He graciously and abundantly supplies all things that we as stewards should use them, yes to meet our daily needs but also to give generously to Kingdom Business. We don’t own it we are just the caretakers and if the one who owns it has need of it then how can we withhold it. Willingness and generosity naturally follows where right perspective is the order of the heart.
I also believe the hearts were stirred as the vision was revealed and understood. God wanted a place where His people could sacrifice and worship Him. Where His priests would minister before Him, a place where His glorious presence would tabernacle with them. A shared vision brought unity as hearts were stirred throughout the nation, and a shared vision also facilitated fellowship, the collective sharing of goods and expertise. You can almost sense the buzz and the excitement that would have gone through the camp, the sense of community and being a part of this great work. Verse 29 tells us that the masterplan for this tabernacle was not Moses plan. No, it was the plan and design of the Supreme Architect and designer – God Himself. He held the blueprints, it was commanded by the Lord, and was to be supervised by Moses. God Himself would also be the Building Inspector ensuring all building regulations had been followed and that the finished building met the required standard.
Today let us partner with God in building His Kingdom, He has already supplied the blueprint in His word. Are we willing to give all to the owner and are we excited to be co-workers with Christ in building His Kingdom? As we work together may we likewise experience unity, community and fellowship and may we on that final day hear “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Ask – Why were the people stirred to give?
Seek – Am I stirred and willing to work to establish the Kingdom of God?
Knock – Pray that your heart has and maintains a right perspective of all that God has given and ask Him afresh “Lord what will you have me to do?”
(Upper Photo by Borna Bevanda on Unsplash)
(Inner Photo by Alexandre Brondino on Unsplash)
