Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 36:1-7.
“Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.”
Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it. They received from Moses all the contributions which the sons of Israel had brought to perform the work in the construction of the sanctuary. And they still continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and they said to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform.” So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, “Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.” Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it.” Exodus 36:1-7.
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We tend to be man-orientated, rather than God-orientated. We tend to focus on what we should do rather than what God has done and what God will do.
This is especially true about Scriptures which contain giving and service like today’s Scripture.
But, upon closer examination, what has God done?
In summary, we read verse 2: “Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.”
God was the One Who gave skill to every skillful person. God was the One Who stirred their heart so they were willing to perform the construction work. And, we can infer that God was the One Who also stirred the hearts of the people, so they were so much willing to give to the extent that they later had to be restrained from giving more.
Likewise, consider the following Scripture which is often quoted by those who want to encourage giving. Upon closer examination, what has God done? What will God do?
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written,
“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR,
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 