Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 35:4-9.

“Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you a contribution to the LORD;  whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’s contribution:  gold, silver, and bronze, and blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and porpoise skins, and acacia wood, and oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece.”  Exodus 35:4-9.

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These are all valuable, beautiful, and fragrant things.  

We remember from Exodus chapter 25 that all these things were used in the construction of the tabernacle.

We may not have gold and silver, but we have green bills and printed checks that we can give to others to lessen their suffering and to be a stepping stone for them.  

We may not have blue, purple and scarlet material, but we have beautiful clothes that we can give to others and wear ourselves to make the world a more beautiful place.

We may not have fragrant incense, but we have prayers that we can pray to God for others. 

“But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you:  …”  Acts 3:6. 

“19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.” Proverbs 31:19-22.

“When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”  Revelation 5:8.

Today’s Scripture shows us the importance of “a willing heart” and some contribution.  In other words, we do not need to do it all, but we can be willing to contribute something. 

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7.