February 11,2017. Exodus 36-38.

 

36.2-7 So Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and all the others who were specially gifted by the Lord and were eager to get to work. 3 Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary. But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning. 4 Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. 5 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!” 6 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. 7 Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.

The above scriptures make every one that has ever worked in a church or para-church organization shout Alleluia! Can you imagine your pastor standing some Sunday morning and telling you to stop giving there is more than enough to meet the need and then some? I have pastored churches for over 30 years and the last two years have led Reach Youth Global a para-church organization and have never had the privilege of making that statement.

These scriptures teach us that God has everything I need and I have everything God needs. Where did the material, precious metal and stones come from that the Hebrews offers to the building of the tabernacle and it’s furnishings? From God. Remember? 

Exodus 12.35 And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold. 36 The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth! 

God gave the Israelites more than enough to meet their need through the Egyptians. 

God truly has all I need now and in the future. It is also true that I have everything God needs. God never asks us to give anything that He has not already given us or promises to give us in the future. All he asks is for us to be good managers of what He has given and give as he would, generously until there is no longer a need. 

What should be our measurement of giving? I think it would be wise for us to give like God gives to us and that is always “more than enough”. When the Hebrews left Egypt they had no idea they had more than enough of material, gold silver and many other articles of value. If God has blessed you with more than enough I can guarantee you that you have some things that God will need in the future. May you be the reason some church or para-church organization announces to please stop giving we have more than enough!