Aug 7, 2016
After a humiliating and harsh rebuke from God for breaking the covenant, Israel is given a chance at redemption. Even in failure and punishment, God is merciful and redemptive. Forty days earlier Israel had willingly given their gold to Aaron to make an idol. Now they are asked to willingly give to God for their place of worship—the tabernacle. The ironic thing about this offering was that God had given it all to them through the Egyptians when they left Egypt (Ex. 12:35, 36)! Sadly, some Israelites who had been slaves with almost nothing six months earlier were not moved to give back to God at all. All possessions belong to God before we get it and belong to Him after we leave it—it’s up to us in how we invest it. Everyone has a something to give and opportunities to give it. Believers must look for every chance to bless others with God’s blessing. To be able to give is a gift, to be able to bless others is a blessing. Believers are overseers of God’s property not owners (Matt. 25:15-30).