Exodus 35 gives us a couple gems for consideration. Moses “spoke to the entire congregation” and reminded them of a couple things: “Work six days”….here it is again – the teaching that we need to have a “holy rest day”. He also reminds them of God’s command “gather from among you an offering for God”. So we are told to rest on the Sabbath and bring to God what is rightfully His. Hmmm….how are we doing with that? I struggle a bit with both actually.
But the real challenge Moses gives the people involves more than rest and offering. He tells them to “come and make everything that God has commanded”. He is also demanding action…..oh my goodness…..do we also have to actually do something to please God? Yes we do. Being a child of God, being one of His children, means we need to do things as He directs us. It requires activity and action. We have to move. Moses reminds the people of all the things that need to be made for the Temple and the worship of God. He gives them the list and challenges them to get on with it. And the response: “then they came back, every one whose heart was roused, whose spirit was freely responsive, bringing offerings to God…willing spirits….whose heart moved them freely”. People responded to God’s commandments through Moses. They went home, gathered the resources needed, put on their work clothes and came back to serve and work. That is a picture of how the church should work. As God moves us toward ministry, we need to gather the offerings and needed resources and then get after getting the job done as He leads. God “gifted them with the know-how needed” as they came. God didn’t let them flounder once a willing heart came to the party. He took what they had and blessed it and put together the skills and knowledge to get the work done. God orchestrates what He originates. If we are willing and show up – God will use us for Kingdom work. The breakdown is the gathering of offerings and the showing up in many cases. I challenge you to see God to see what the task list is He has for you right now. What offerings are you to be bringing? Where are you supposed to be showing up to serve Him? It is time we get on with being what God desires – a humble servant committed to Him and obedient in every way!
Posted by asorensen 
