Eric and his team had been looking forward to this day for some time – a ‘fellowship meal’ to celebrate another anniversary. He could imagine the tables brimming with creamy pasta dishes, hot casseroles, delicious pies, pizzas and more. And don’t even mention the deserts – self-control would be out the window!
The wonderful thing about these events was that all the food came from the people in the community, and even though there was little coordination, the various dishes that turned up on the day were almost always just the right amount of savoury and sweet, bread and salad, meat and dessert for those who would be there. God’s regular little miracle.
Except for that particular day.
Mrs Adler was sick, the Lewis family overslept, Joe and Margie forgot to go shopping yesterday and many portions seemed smaller than normal. The resulting smorgasbord was uninspiring and barely enough.
This was not the problem that Bezalel and Oholiab faced.
Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt (at which point, surprisingly, the Egyptians gave generously of their possessions) and to the other side of the Red Sea after God split the waters. Moving forward they journeyed to Mount Sinai where the Lord gave Moses the 10 commandments. There, God also gave Moses detailed plans to build a tabernacle – a place where sacrifices would be made to atone for sin and where God would dwell among his people.
Bezalel and Oholiab headed up a large team of craftsmen and women, skilled in metalwork, joinery, perfumery and textiles to construct everything from lampstands to altars to garments for the priests. The raw materials for all these things would come from a freewill offering given by any Israelite wishing to do so.
By the time we reach Exodus chapter 36, the offering is in full swing, but the text tells us that ‘morning after morning’ the people continued to give. So much so that the craftsman had to put their tools down, find Moses and tell him that the people were bringing way more than was needed (Ex 36; 5). The spirit of generosity was so huge that Moses actually had to ‘restrain’ the Israelites from giving any more.
Imagine that being a problem in your organisation.
Imagine a love offering for a brother in need so large that he can share it with two others. Imagine the call for volunteers to start a new ministry creating such a response that the size of the ministry triples overnight.
Imagine a spirit of generosity so profound that you don’t know what to do with all the gifts that have been given.
It is interesting to note the order of things in the building of the tabernacle: God made the plans and he blessed his people with abilities and resources. God shared his plans with his people, who, in turn, used their time, skills and possessions (freely and generously) to carry them out. The result? God filled the tabernacle with his presence and his glory (Ex 40: 34 – 35).
Imagine that happening at your place.
The best is yet to come. God bless - Terry
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