Joe and Jessa

The book of Exodus is filled with guidelines, policies, commandments and instructions. Often the consequences for certain behaviors is spelled out. God is in the business of mapping out the best for his people to ensure the most success and minimal baggage! Then when the topic of offerings for the tabernacle is addressed, He leaves participating up to each individual heart.

God gave an extensive list of things for people to offer to be used to make a tabernacle for Him to live with them. Moses was told to

collect offerings from those who hearts were prompted. (Exodus 25:2) The Israelites were not commanded to make contributions to the Lord, but to make Him a home with them. There's no indication that everyone didn't participate at this time. However, in a parallel passage, I saw a word that broke my heart, SOME! (Ezra 2:68)

Years later when the exiles returned to Jerusalem only SOME of the family leaders gave to rebuilding the house of God. Why? Did they honestly not have anything to offer? Were their hearts not prompted? Had the years of exile taken its toll? I don't know the "why" but I am challenged. In the beginning my salvation represents a relationship with God that is a priority to me! Over time my life is under attack and can damage that intimacy! The condition of God's home in my heart reflects my investment to take care of it! Will I be prompted by my heart to show him how grateful I am to have him near?

Exodus 25:1-2

Offerings for the Tabernacle

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering.

You are to receive the offering for me from everyone

whose heart prompts them to give."

Exodus 25:8

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them