Exodus 35 Commentary: You can give skill on the altar of worship.
The chapter begins with an emphasis on the Sabbath. The penalty for disobedience points to the seriousness of the day.
Attention quickly shifts to the tabernacle. It is be constructed out of freewill offerings – not taxes or regulatory fees. The list of items required is long and worshippers are encouraged to bring any of the items including skills. It’s a very good example of an ‘open door’ system where all are freely enabled to participate regardless of their liquidity status. The worship of the LORD of the universe flows from the heart.
Details are important. While highly specialized skills were required, the LORD included on the list more commonplace skills like weaving by an ordinary Israelite woman. While more expensive gold offerings were brought, less expensive and other cheaper offerings like pieces of clothes were also on demand.
I don’t know if the church is like that today. We have restricted the means by which a saint can worship the LORD in their giving. Saints without liquid cash are left out of the moneybag worship systems of today.
From here we learn that the LORD accepted as worship items that the people gave from their hearts. At other times the LORD accepted items that the people brought out of obedience to the law – even when such giving was mandatory. Both are important. There are times when giving is done purely out of obedience. Without the option of mandatory giving I would not be anywhere near the altar! Thank God for the saints that are moved to give freely without being forced and expect nothing in return. They give in response to the many gifts that the LORD has generously given.
Look around you. There is something that the LORD has given you in abundance. Share it. The LORD will accept it from your hand as worship.
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LOVING SCRIPTURE 