January 31, 2026 - Exodus 35-36

The Sabbath.  Contributions for the Tabernacle and its construction.  About those offerings, I did a little bit (just a little) of research and saw estimates of the total value of the offerings in today’s dollars to be anywhere from $50 to $125 million.  Wherever the actual number falls, that was a LOT for a people who found themselves wandering in the wilderness.  Now, of course, their possessions were greatly increased in value because of their plundering of the Egyptians (see Exodus 3:22; 12:35-36).  Even if the people had all this easily at hand, though, here’s an important observation (take special note of the underlined words):   “All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the LORD had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD” (35:29).  Sometimes, churches are criticized for “always asking for money.”  No doubt, the danger exists of wrongly asking for offerings.  Two things, here, though; matters that should remind us of the positive nature of giving:  1) The work to which the offerings went were for a project commanded by the Lord and benefitting the people, and 2) All the people gave willingly out of thankful hearts.  Oh, I might add a third thought:  Much like the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4), the people seem to have given sacrificially.  Here is good guidance for us as we give to the Lord.

Come, all Christians, be committed

To the service of the lord;

Make your lives for him more fitted,

Tune your hearts with one accord.

Come into His courts with gladness,

Each his sacred vows renew,

Turn away from sin and sadness,

Be transformed with life anew.

Of your time and talents give ye,

They are gifts from God above;

To be used by Christians freely

To proclaim His wondrous love.

Come again to serve the Savior,

Tithes and off’rings with you bring.

In your work, with Him find favor,

And with joy His praises sing.   -- Eva Brown Lloyd (1966)