Willing Hearts

"They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning."  Exodus 36:3

The Lord repeated His commands for the construction and completion of the Tabernacle. He detailed how the work was to be done and who would complete it. In order to complete the work, the Lord would need those who would willfully contribute to His work. The Lord did not force contributions but He asked for offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. This voluntary participation would ensure that everyone who gave, would give with the proper attitude, proper motive, and share in the purposes of God through an act of worship. The willful and cheerful giving of the people became more than evident, as the children of Israel gave daily, which resulted in Moses issuing a proclamation that no additional contributions were needed or would be received (Exodus 36:5-7).

When the Lord desires work to be accomplished, He uses willing vessels to do His work. He can impart the knowledge, skill, and ability, as well as an abundance of resources to accomplish His work but a willing, obedient, and sacrificial heart is what He desires. The children of Israel no doubt, remembered how the Lord dealt with them for their disobedience and idolatry and were grateful that the Lord did not destroy them. They in turn, gave daily to the work of the construction of the Tabernacle until Moses restrained them from giving because their willful giving brought much more than what was needed for the work that God commanded.

What work has the Lord asked you to contribute towards? Do you believe that He will give you what is needed to contribute to the work? Is your heart filled and overflowing with gratitude to the Lord that you give abundantly and in excess as an act of worship to share in the purposes of God? The Lord desires willing hearts that give freely and hearts that understand that He uses vessels as a means of accomplishing His purposes. Begin on today to prepare your heart to join in giving towards the work of the Lord. If everyone gave freely to the mission of the Lord, there would more than enough for all of the work, and to perform it (Exodus 36:7).