Main Thought
From the beginning, God has invited His people to participate in what He is building. In Exodus, God called Israel to contribute toward the tabernacle. The tabernacle was meant to show God’s glory, share God’s purpose, and create space for people to worship. Giving toward this eternal cause was about more than resources. It was about responding to God’s presence and carrying God’s vision.
God still calls His people to carry His vision by contributing to His Kingdom. We are called to build, recognizing that each of us has a part to play. We are compelled to bring our gifts to God with hearts stirred by gratitude and faith. Finally, we commit to finish - following through in obedience so that what God begins among us is brought to completion. When we give our time, talent, and treasure to God’s purposes, we gain a share in something timeless.
Main Passages
4 Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded. 5 Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord's contribution: gold, silver, and bronze; 6 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats' hair, 7 tanned rams' skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, 8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 9 and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breast piece. 10 “Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded…
- Exodus 35:4-10, ESV
“And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution…”
- Exodus 35:21, ESV
“So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.”
- 2 Corinthians 8:11, ESV
Discussion Questions
How do you think generosity changes a person? How can giving help us grow as followers of Jesus?
What fears or hesitations can keep us from giving freely? How might the character of God speak to those concerns?
Where do you see opportunities to be part of something meaningful or life-giving in your community right now? How might generosity play a role in that?