The Israelites had just come out of Egypt. God had freed them from slavery to Pharaoh. God had saved them from the Egyptian army. God had miraculously opened the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk across on dry ground. God had given them water in the wilderness - twice. God had given them manna and quail. God had defeated the Amalekites who attacked them. Then God gave them the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. This whole time, God went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide them. The people had had so many miracles done for them. They had water and food. God had protected them from their enemies. They knew He was with them all of the time. God had given them so much!!
Then God gave Moses the instructions for building the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. This was to be the place where God would dwell with the people. It was a large tent that could be taken down and moved as the Israelites wandered in the Wilderness for 40 years. God also gave Moses detailed directions for building the Ark of the Covenant, the Table, the Lampstand, The Incense Altar, the Altar of Burnt Offering, The Courtyard, the Oil for the Lampstand, the Priestly Garments - including the Breastpiece and other garments, the Basin for washing, the anointing Oil, and the Incense. Wow! This was not just a hastily-built tent. This was elaborate and detailed. It was to be made with the finest of materials. It was to be done exactly as God described it to Moses.
But where did all of the materials come from for building this Tabernacle? The LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.” (Exodus 25:2) But where did the people get all of the materials? Remember they brought all of their possessions with them as they left Egypt - including all of their flocks and herds. The animals would provide the skins and the wool for weaving cloth. As for the gold and silver furnishings - do you remember that the Israelites asked their Egyptian neighbors for articles of gold and silver before they left Egypt? God had made the Egyptians very willing to give to the Israelites. So the Israelites had taken a lot of silver and gold from Egypt!! This is why the Israelites were able to give to make the Tabernacle and all of its furnishings. And isn’t it interesting that despite the murmurings, complainings, and sins, the people had a heart for giving to God. In fact, Moses had to tell them to stop because the artisans had more than enough for constructing the furnishings of the tabernacle. (Exodus 36:3-7)
So what about you? What has God given to you? Good health? A nice place to live? A great family? The food you eat? The air you breathe? What is it that God has given to you? Everything. God has made it all. It all belongs to Him. (Psalm 24:1) God has given everything you have to you. So, now He wants to see what you’re going to do with it. Will you keep what He has given you? Will you use it for yourself? Will you share with others? Will you use what God has given you to bring glory and honor to God?
It’s easy for us to think about giving money. We’re used to that concept. But God doesn’t need your money. We’re used to the idea of prayer warriors. Okay, that’s encroaching on my time. Likewise, spending time sharing Jesus Christ with others is a sacrifice of our time. Be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you. (1 Peter 3:15) But does God want more from you?
Emphatically, yes! God wants all of you, not just your money and time. Your will. Your entire being. Spend some time thinking about what you have given to God - and what you haven’t. Is there still some part of you that you haven’t completely given to God? Are you still in control of some aspect of your life - or have you brought every thought into subjection to Jesus Christ? (2 Corinthians 10:5) We have to be willing to give up our will, our wants, our desires. It is part of the training process our Heavenly Parent has designed.
It’s kind of like the story of Jennifer and the M&Ms. You have something your Heavenly Parent has given to you. You need to share it with someone. Even if you really don’t want to at first, when you do share, the rewards will be so wonderful that you will want to keep giving and sharing. As Paul told the Corinthians: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) And we’re not only talking about sharing with people around you, we’re talking about giving it all back to The One to whom you owe everything. You will be amazed at the ways that God will find to reward you for your giving. And believe me, it will be better than M&Ms!