All That We Need and More

 

S – Scripture: Exodus 36-38

• 36:1 – “The LORD has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary. Let them construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the LORD has commanded.”
• 36:6-7 – “So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.”
• 38:22-23 – “Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. He was assisted by Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, a craftsman expert at engraving, designing, and embroidering with blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth.”

O – Observation:

• The Lord gave special abilities to Bezalel, Oholiab, and others specifically for the construction of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings.
• They made everything as the Lord had instructed.
• The Israelites were so eager to give that they gave too much for the project.  Moses had to ask them to stop giving!
• The sum of gifts brought was: 2,193 pounds of gold, 7,545 pounds of silver, 5,310 pounds of bronze, plus the tax (which was 1/2 a shekel) from 603,550 each man.  WOW!

A – Application:

I’ll let the Word speak for itself this time:

God has provided and will continue to provide all of the resources we need to carry out his purpose in us.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

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Each person has been given natural and supernatural gifts in order to serve those in need. Not one is greater or lesser than the other.  All are necessary for the body of Christ. Of course, one of the greatest gifts (besides our salvation), is the Holy Spirit.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” 1 Corinthians 4-6

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.” 1 Corinthians 6:19

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When we use the gifts and resources God has given us, we can bless others, and God promises more blessings in return. This shouldn’t be our motivator for doing good, as nothing more that God’s gift of grace can save us from our sins and get us to Heaven. When we give freely and cheerfully, not expecting anything in return, God can open up his storehouses of blessing and make great change among his people.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“Remember this–a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 15:10

“‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!'” Malachi 3:10

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We have great motivation to share in our blessings.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:3-8

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice–the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” Romans 12:1

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.” James 1:17-18

Isn’t God’s Word so good?  I honestly have nothing more to say, haha! My hope is that these verses leave you with something to ponder today or this week.

What verse(s) stuck out to you? What gifts has God given you that you aren’t using in their full capacity? Is anything holding you back from giving or serving others, using your gifts? Are you holding any blessings (time, energy, money, prayer, etc.) back from others because you fear not having enough for yourself? I know I’m guilty here! What other verses come to your mind?

Please share some of your answers in the comments. I’d love to pray with you about them!

P – Prayer:

God, your Word is such a gift.  You have given us so much and we don’t deserve any of it. Salvation, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, purpose here on earth, spiritual gifts, community, love, joy, hope, and so much more.  You care about every little detail of our lives. Nothing we can do will bring us closer to salvation.  Only by accepting your gift of grace cleanses us.

Father, I have nothing to offer you, except my life.  Take it and use it, Lord.  Help me to not hold anything back.  I know you will restore me.  Grow the gifts you have given me so that I can use them in full capacity for you. It’s in your wonderful name I pray, Amen.