They Gave More Than Enough

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2036-38&version=NIV

Today we read about the construction of the tabernacle. As commanded by God, those whose heart prompted them (Ex. 25:1-2) brought their offerings to be used in the building. Exodus 36:3-7 tells of how the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning until there was more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded. When I read this I thought about how incredibly amazing it was that the people’s hearts were moved to give so generously that there was more than enough.

I wonder how often this happens in the church today – especially in America. How often are we, who are so rich, willing to give so much that there is more than enough to carry out the work the Lord wants to do? We certainly have more than enough to give – but are we always willing?

Friday night I went to the Mercy Me concert at Second. It was a great concert, but the thing that touches me the most is to hear the heart of their lead singer. He spoke of Haiti and how God was using this natural disaster to display his glory. He spoke of hundreds dancing and worshipping in the streets while the news broadcast the scene to the world. He spoke of the news commentator reporting that what he continued to hear the people say is “Only God can save.” And as the world watched those who had almost nothing brought to the alter clothes, shoes, and jewelry for those who had even less.

Yes, may people from the United States gave generously to the efforts in Haiti – but we give out of our wealth. The people in Haiti are giving out of their poverty – and I believe this poverty is a greater gift to them then is the wealth that we have. See, it is in their poverty that they recognize that the only way they will survive is through faith in a God who provides. As Francis Chan describes in his book ‘Crazy Love’, people like these Haitians possess little of what ‘counts’ in our society, yet they have what matters most. They came to God in their great need, and they have found true joy. And that is the joy that the world got to watch, perhaps did not understand, but heard what the people of Haiti know to be true – that only God can save.

The people of Haiti reflect the church of Macedonia that Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 8:1-6. Check out the parallel between the two:

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”

The people of Israel I believe were also facing their own poverty in the face when they gave – and they knew how much God provided. They relied on him as they traveled through the dessert, and had just experienced huge doses of his grace after the worshipping of the golden calf. Indeed, I believe they gave so richly out of their spiritual poverty – they knew they were bankrupt before the Lord. And so they gave because they knew that “only God would save”.

The people of Israel, the church in Macedonia, the Haitians and so many others understand what it means to be poor – both in material wealth and in spirit. But here in the states, we are such a materially wealthy people and so dependent upon that wealth – so self sufficient, that we do not realize that where it not by God’s gift, we would have nothing. Yes, we are rich – yet so many are in spiritual poverty.

Can you imagine the impact on the kingdom of God is only the church in America would understand that we are a spiritually bankrupt nation, in need of God’s great mercy? Can you imagine what strides could be made to reach the world if we were more willing to part with our material wealth in exchange for the privilege of ‘sharing in this service’. Can you imagine how rich we would all be if only we fully understood how poor we are?

And just so you understand, the Lord needs nothing from you. He certainly can and will carry out his work without whatever it is that you could give. The thing is, though, is it is his will and desire for your heart to be moved to give to the one who has given all. He knows that the heart that is willing to give all is a heart of one who has given all of themselves to God. Why does he desire this? Because it is the Father’s good pleasure and desire to give us his kingdom. But as long as we cling to our material wealth, we don’t even seek the kingdom.

Robert Murray M’Cheyne, a Scottish pastor for the early nineteenth century had words that are so appropriate for us today:

“I am concerned for the poor but more for you. I know not what Christ will say to you in the great day….I fear there are many hearing me who may know well that they are not Christians because they do not love to give. To give largely and liberally, not grudgingly at all, requires a new heart; an old heart would rather part with its life-blood than its money. Oh my friends! Enjoy your money; make the most of it; give non away; enjoy quickly for I can tell you, you will be beggars throughout eternity.”

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. – Matthew 5:3

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels