Exodus 36:2-7 – Giving generously to God’s work

The building of the Tabernacle had begun. The resources for the project came pouring in. The people contributed freely and willingly to the venture. People came with their gold, silver, ornaments, woods, all sorts of material for the curtains and covering and, etc. God also raised Spirit-filled and skillful artisans endowed with the necessary gifts for the works. While the whole purpose of the giving and raising of the artisans were for the purpose of building the Tabernacle, there is one important point not to be forgotten. That is the fact that they were doing it for the great God. We must never forget that in whatever ministry we are called to fulfill, it’s all about God. Our aim is to bring glory to His name. The work is never about us, no matter how skillful or how much we have contributed. It’s always about God and His glory.  

In the situation of the Israelites, the whole community of God’s people were invited to contribute to the work of God. Everyone, if they so desired, had the opportunity to give, for everyone had something that they could give. Notice in the project of constructing the Tabernacle, Moses did not push for the fund. The people came voluntarily to give. What about us? Do we need to be pushed to contribute to God and His Kingdom? Giving is a clear indicator of one’s gratitude quotient. Knowing that we have such an awesome God should stir our hearts and make us willing to give to Him spontaneously.  

Here in Exodus 36:2-7, the work of building the Tabernacle began. Moses enlisted Bezalel and Oholiab and every person gifted with the necessary skills to start work. Moses handed them whatever was collected so that the work could begin. Meanwhile, the people kept coming generously with their offering to the project. Verse 5 tells us that “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work….” The giving was overwhelming. They gave and gave until Moses had to stop them from giving. This was a blessed problem. But in the work of God, it’s always better to have more than less. Won’t it be wonderful for the church to emulate such generosity?

However, such a situation calls for caution. Leaders must rightly handle the funds that are contributed to the work of the Kingdom. The generosity of the people must not be abused and taken advantage of. Leaders should never manipulate the big-heartedness of the people. Why? When people realize that they have been manipulated, they will get disillusioned. It takes maturity and spirituality to rightly handle fund that is given to serve God’s purpose, especially when the giving is overflowing. Any leader lacking these qualities will exploit the situation and siphon the fund to himself. Moses was certainly not one lacking such qualities. He is the kind of leader the church needs today. The purpose of giving should not be to gratify the servant of God or to enable them to live in luxury. It is always for the purpose of expanding God’s work. However, this in no way suggests that the people who serve God should be deprived of the means of a decent livelihood. Remember the words of God that call us not to muzzle the ox that treads the corn. Our prayer is for people who are giving to God to be generous, and also that the leaders will rightly use the fund for His glory.