“The people bring much more than enough” was the complaint made to Moses by the workers building the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 36:5) This was a serious problem for the leader of the Israelites. A call had been made to take up an offering from “whoever is of a willing heart” (Exodus 35:5).

The Word of God records that the people began giving and continued bringing gifts every morning. Materials were piling up to the point that the workers couldn’t use it all. They were overwhelmed by the amount received. So, all the workers went to Moses to get help. What’s most incredible is their request. They didn’t ask him for advice on how to store all the materials. Instead, their plea was for the people to stop bringing the gifts. “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded us to do.” (Exodus 36:5) How did Moses respond? Weren’t the workers being a bit foolish? It’s hard enough to get God’s people to give in the first place. The last thing you want to do is tell them to stop. Yet, as incredible as it seems, the Bible says, “And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.” (Exodus 36:6b-7) Personally, I’m simple enough to believe we could have that problem today. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) God has not changed, only His people have. The Israelites in the wilderness knew that they were but stewards of God’s plunder (See Exodus 12:35-36) Therefore, when they were called on to give to His work, they had willing hearts to give far beyond the need. Today, most Christians view themselves as owner rather than stewards, and therefore few willing hearts are found. Paul reminds us that “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). May the church today have Moses’ problem!

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

It's only fair to share ...

Facebook

Twitter