Exodus 36 Devotional

When Giving Had to Stop

“and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.””Exodus 36:5 (BSB)

The craftsmen take the offerings and begin work, but the gifts keep arriving, morning after morning (36:3). At last the workers leave what they are doing to tell Moses that the people are bringing far beyond what the work requires (36:4-5). So Moses sends word through the camp that no one should bring anything more, and the people have to be held back from giving (36:6-7).

The rest of the chapter shows the workers making what God described in chapter 26: the linen curtains joined with gold clasps, the coverings, the frames on silver bases, the veil, and the entrance screen (36:8-38). The plan given on the mountain is becoming a real dwelling, built entirely from gifts no one was compelled to give. Paul points to the generosity behind all Christian giving: Christ gave up his riches and became poor for our sake, so that we could be made rich through him (2 Corinthians 8:9). Those who know how much they have received can give without fear of running short.

To think about: What would it look like for your giving this week to flow from what Christ has given you rather than from fear of running short?