Moses had been up on the mountain for 40 days. God had given him the 10 commandments on tables of stone again. God had also given him all the pattern for building the tabernacle. God had told him how to make it. He had told him what materials were needed to make it.
Moses then gathers the people of Israel together and tells them what materials he needs (Exodus 35). He tells them that whoever is of a willing heart should bring what is needed. In verse 21, it says that “everyone whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing” brought the materials needed. In verse 22, we read, “as many as were willing hearted” offered the necessary items.
We read in verse 29 that the children of Israel brought “a willing offering.” The people, in fact, brought so much that later in chapter 36 Moses had to tell the people to quit bringing things. They had brought more than enough to build the tabernacle.
In the New Testament we are told to have a willing heart as well. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, it says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Romans 12:8 tells us to give liberally.
Do you give to God? Or do you keep everything you have and refuse to offer anything to God? When time comes on Sunday to give to God, do you get upset that you are to give some of your money? Do you try to keep hold of it? Even after giving it, do you wish you had not given it?
God desires us to give back to him some of what he gives us. All that the Israelites had to give to God for the building of the tabernacle had been given to them by the Egyptians. God had blessed the Israelites by putting the Egyptians in the frame of mind to give them great wealth. God blesses us with many things. Just as the Israelites gave willingly, we should give willingly. Just as they gave great amounts, we should give liberally.
Keep reading and studying your Bible. Learn all that God wants you to do. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
