Introduction
The tabernacle was built of materials given by the children of Israel as an offering to the Lord. The record of this offering is found in Exodus 25:1-9, 35:4-39, and 36:2-7. Even today we have much to glean from the truths revealed here.1. Giving Unto The Lord
In Exodus 25:2 we find that God requested that His house be built of that which was offered to Him by the redeemed nation. In every age part of the worship of God has consisted in the giving of offerings (Psalm 96:8). What is God's purpose behind this? He certainly does not wish us to view Him as dependent upon man (Psalm 50:9-12). Giving is in reality a privilege bestowed upon us for our blessedness (Acts 20:35). Giving blesses us in several ways:
A. Giving reminds us that God is our creator. Everything we have comes from Him (James 1:17). In our offerings we return to God an offering of thanksgiving. We are stewards of God's bounty not owners of our own wealth.
B. God's people give unto the Lord not only as their creator but also as their redeemer. How appropriate that after Israel had been redeemed from slavery in Egypt they gave unto Him gifts of gratitude. How much more reasonable is it that we as redeemed sinners give our best to Christ (Romans 12:1).
C. Giving protects us from the sins of covetousness and selfishness. We learn by experience that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
D. Giving teaches us to live by faith. As we give unto the Lord we are recognizing Him as our all-sufficient source.
E. Giving gives us opportunity to use our present temporary possessions to obtain eternal rewards (Matthew 6:20).2. The Source Of Israel's Wealth
A. Someone has calculated that the tabernacle contained 2500 pounds of gold, 8500 pounds of silver and 8000 pounds of brass. The structure itself also contained expensive cloth and skins as well as the precious stones used in the high priest's costume.
B. Where would a nation of slaves accumulate such wealth? The answer is found in Exodus 12:35-36. As Israel left Egypt they carried away the wealth of the nation. It is also possible that some things were gathered at the Red Sea after Egypt's army was drowned (Exodus 14:30). What God asks of us He always supplies. May we view our worldly goods as given us for the purpose of honoring God.3. The Spirit Of Giving
Circumstances today may seem quite different from those in Exodus yet the same principles of giving apply. There are certain things required of those who would give to God in an acceptable manner.
A. We must give to God freely (Exodus 25:2, 35:4-5, 21, 29). The Lord is not to be served as a drudge would be forced to serve a despised master. We must give out of love. No one was or is now to be forced into giving (II Corinthians 9:7).
B. Giving should be an act of joy and worship (II Corinthians 9:7).
C. Our giving is to be proportional. We notice in Exodus that some gave gold, silver, and jewels while others gave lumber and oil. What a great lesson is here. Giving is not just for the rich. We are to give as God has prospered us (I Corinthians 16:2). God accepts our gifts not on the basis of what we do not have but what we do have (II Corinthians 8:13, Luke 21:1-4).
D. God would have us to give generously. In Exodus 36:2-7 we learn that the people gave more than was needed. When God's people have a liberal spirit there will always be enough for God’s work (II Corinthians 9:6 & 8:2).4. Diversities Of Gifts
A. What a diversity of gifts were used in the Tabernacle. The rich gave that which was rare and valuable while the poorer gave what was more common but still necessary (Exodus 35:24 & 27). Some gave their riches while others gave their talent (Exodus 35:26, 36:2). Both the gifts and abilities of men and women were needed (Exodus 35:22, 25-26).
B Does not this teach us something about the Lord's house today? The body of Christ (i.e. the local church) is made up of many members, each having a different spiritual gift (I Corinthians 12:11-12, 17-22). All are different yet all are needed and should use what they have for the Lord (II Peter 4:10). Some lead while others follow (Romans 12:5-8, Exodus 35:27). Some have great wealth while others are more ordinary but just as needed. Both men and women fill a place in God's house (Philippians 4:3). May we have the same spirit toward God's house today that these willing-hearted Israelites had long ago:
Let none hear you idly saying, 'There is nothing I can do' While the souls of men are dying, And the Master calls for you Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be. Answer quickly while He calleth, "Here am I, send me, send me."5. The Glory Of Scriptural Giving
A. In Exodus 25:8 we learn that the gifts were used to build a sanctuary where God might dwell among His people. May we be reminded that the greatest thing we can do with our time, talent, and wealth, is to build God's house and glorify Him through it (Ephesians 3:21). In this age the church is the house of God (II Timothy 3:15).
B. We as redeemed sinners can be living stones in the Temple (I Peter 2:5). Baptism places us in one of the Lord's churches (I Corinthians 12:13). As a member we use our spiritual abilities to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16). Our offerings can assist in the work of the Kingdom. In this age of materialistic thinking may we think more of God's house than of our own estate (Haggai 1:3-9).6. The Importance Of The Pattern - Exodus 25:8-9
A. The fact that the people contributed to the building of the tabernacle did not give them liberty to design it. Everything was to be done just as God revealed to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Every detail had significance. At a later date when David moved the ark in an unscriptural manner he learned the importance of following God's blueprint (I Samuel 6:1-10, I Chronicles 15:12-15).
B. In our own age many feel at liberty to serve God or build His house as they see fit. This is a grave error with serious consequences. Everything that pertains to the church is to follow the scriptural pattern (I Corinthians 11:2). The church belongs to Christ (Matthew 16:18) and is to be built upon the truths of the New Testament (Ephesians 2:20-22). Let us give to God while following Him.
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