When my father passed away all of our friends and relatives wanted to express their sympathy and offer help to our family. They did so by bringing us food – covered dishes, casseroles, cakes, pies, rolls. I vividly recall having so much food that had been brought in that there was no more room for any more. The kitchen counters were covered with plates of food, the kitchen table was covered, and even snack tables had been set up and they were heaped with food. The love expressed through gifts of food filled our house.
What a wonderful comfort that was. What a wonderful sight to see such abundance, all reminding us of the love and comfort that surrounded us.
In Exodus we have God commanding that a tabernacle be built along with other items for worship. Moses instructs the Israelites to bring in contributions, whatever they are able to give so that God might be honored. How did the people respond? What did the workers tell Moses? What did Moses command? Why?
This is an uplifting story, an example of the dedication the people had to God. They had been commanded to bring contributions to God, and they responded with all of their hearts, presenting offerings day after day. So much was given that Moses had to put a stop to the generosity.
Unfortunately we seldom see that kind of dedication. It is rare to have a church leader tell the members that the contributions are in such abundance that they must be stopped.
It is a wonderful example of how we should respond to our God. We are to present God with our offerings and gifts, and our gratitude should be expressed “morning after morning.” Our thanks and appreciation of God, our praises, should be lifted up to God first, before anything else is done. And we should offer such gratitude in such abundance that we are certain we have given enough that the work of God my be done.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Will you be one who fills God’s house with an abundance of gratitude?
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