Daily Bible Reading – February 11, 2021

Feb 11 (Daily reading: Exodus 36-38) Exodus 36:1-7 describes a unique occasion when the preacher had to tell the people to stop giving! Even after enough had been contributed, “they still continued bringing to him voluntary offerings every morning” (verse 3). What was going on? In verse 2, we read, “Every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, (came) to the work to perform it.” There is a specific element to a Christian’s giving, and serving. We give, and serve, according to our abilities, our “skills.” We do this “in accordance with everything that the LORD has commanded” (verse 1). This is not legalism; we give and serve—on good or bad days—in voluntary obedience to His commands!

This is possible because of our heart condition (spiritual heartburn). Everyone whose “heart stirred him” came to perform the work. This is what makes our Christian service different from other work. We put our hearts into the work! “Doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6). A favorite verse to describe stewardship is, “Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

Another component of our heartfelt Christian service is community. Bezalel and Oholiab are named but working with them were “every skillful person” (“gifted artisan,” NKJV). To support their work, verse 3 tells us that Moses received “every contribution which the sons of Israel had brought.” Everyone had their role to play in the completion of the tabernacle. My heart has often been uplifted by the combined contributions of individuals in the ICF community (family)!

-Al Gary


Posted

in:

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Get in touch with us.