Today’s Bible readings can be found at this link: Exodus 36:1-19 and Luke 23:32-43.
Exodus 36:5 And they said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” (NIV)
It was a beautiful act of community generosity and a wonderful witness of God’s people. Moses must have been very pleased with the response that his people gave to the request for money and materials to build the Holy Tabernacle. As a leader, Moses must have been gratified at how cheerfully the people gave and how effectively their resources could be used. And as a man of God, Moses must have felt proud that his people honored God in this respectful and generous way. In fact, the people gave so much, that Moses had to send out a special request to give no more because all that was needed had been provided by the community.
On Sunday mornings, the combined offering in many churches enables them to fulfill the ministries and missions that God calls each congregation to undertake. Individuals could not do it on their own, but when the community of God’s people pools their resources as a thankful free-will offering, they are not just being grateful for the blessings that God has given, they are also being good stewards of God’s gifts. If our society and civilization were to honestly stop and think about how Christians throughout the world make the world a better place, perhaps they would better appreciate our faith. Billions of dollars are used in millions of ways to preach the Word, spread the Gospel, and continue Christ’s ministry in every land across the globe.
Thank you for your contributions and generosity which make Christ’s churches better faith centers. Thank you for combining your gifts to joyfully advance God’s Kingdom on Earth. May God bless all of your hopes and dreams by allowing your plans to succeed.
Point to ponder: How does my giving contribute to Christ’s ministry?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to Your Church on Earth and for the many ways which our time, talents, and money can be used to enhance Your work in our congregations, communities, and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully give and pray. Amen.
Today’s image is one of John’s latest Celtic Cross drawings called “Celtic Hope.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click here. If you would like to send John an email – he reads them all – please write to him at Traqair@aol.com.