“The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book in the Old Testament and tells the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. After their liberation, God gives Moses detailed instructions to construct the tabernacle-a portable sanctuary where the Israelites could worship God during their journey in the wilderness. Exodus 35 focuses on the preparations for building the tabernacle and its various components.
A Willing Offering:In Exodus 35:4-9, Moses calls upon the Israelites to bring an offering for the construction of the tabernacle. The offering was to consist of various materials like gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, precious stones, and more. However, the key aspect of this verse is the attitude behind the offering-God desired a “willing offering.”
Giving from the Heart:Exodus 35:21-29 records how the people responded to Moses’ call for contributions. The verse states that the children of Israel brought a willing offering to the Lord. Here, the emphasis is on the voluntary and cheerful nature of their giving. Their hearts were stirred to contribute, and it was not a forced or obligatory offering. This willingness to give reflected their gratitude to God for His deliverance, their commitment to obey His commands, and their desire to participate in the construction of the tabernacle-a place where God’s presence would dwell among them.
Importance of Willingness:This verse highlights the importance of a willing heart in worship and service to God. God values offerings that come from a place of genuine love and devotion rather than those given out of compulsion or duty (2 Corinthians 9:7). A willing heart is evidence of a personal relationship with God, where individuals willingly respond to His grace and seek to honor Him in their lives.
Application:
- Sacrificial Giving:The Israelites’ example teaches us the value of sacrificial giving in our worship. As Christians, we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to offer our resources-time, talents, and finances-for the work of the Kingdom willingly and joyfully.
- Motivated by Love:Our relationship with God should be the driving force behind our actions. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), our willingness to serve and give becomes a natural outflow of that love.
- Serving with Joy:Just as the Israelites willingly participated in the construction of the tabernacle, we should joyfully serve God and His people. Our service should not be grudging or forced, but marked by enthusiasm and a desire to honor God.
- Obedience to God’s Commands:The Israelites followed the Lord’s commands in their offering. Similarly, our giving and service should align with God’s Word and His leading in our lives.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:29 teaches us about the importance of a willing heart in our worship and service to God. When we give and serve with joy and gratitude, it pleases God and deepens our relationship with Him. Let us be inspired by the Israelites’ example and offer our lives as willing offerings to the Lord.
