The Grace of Generosity

"Then Moses said to the whole community of Israel, 'This is what the Lord has commanded:Take a sacred offering for the Lord. Let those with generous hearts present the following gifts to the Lord:gold, silver, and bronze...'" Exodus 35:4-5 NLT

"So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments." Exodus 35:20-21 NLT

What a beautiful picture of giving! This is the record of the first building fund-raising program among God's people. In addition to their regular tithes the people were invited to give the resources needed to build the tabernacle and to establish its ministry. Those with "generous hearts" were to give from the things with which God had blessed them. Those "whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved" by the Spirit and generosity of God gave gladly. When the people had called on God to deliver them, He had answered. When God called on the people to build, they answered.

Our giving reveals the health and depth of our relationship with God. When we called on Him, He gave us salvation through His Son. When He calls on us, we give Him our lives and our treasures in response to His grace. If we are truly conscious of how great God's grace toward us has been then we will be generous toward Him and His work. From time to time we need to take an inventory of our giving and spending to see what it reveals about our relationship with God and the work of His grace in our life.

Father, You have been more than generous with me. Salvation through Your Son was just the beginning of the flow of Your abundant grace in my life. As You call me to give my life and my treasure, I want my heart to respond in true gratitude and generosity toward you. Grow me in this grace.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark