DCLM Daily Manna Monday 27 March 2023
TOPIC: Time to Give
KEY VERSE
“Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.”
(Exodus 25:2)
DCLM Daily Manna Monday 27 March 2023 MESSAGE
Marquis de Lafayette was a French officer who provided invaluable assistance to George Washington and the struggling American army during their battles for independence. After the war was over, he returned to France and resumed his life as a farmer of many estates. In 1783, the harvest was a terrible one, and there were many who suffered as a result.
Lafayette’s farms were unaffected by the devastating crop failures. One of his workers offered what seemed to be good advice to Lafayette: “The bad harvest has raised the price of wheat. This is the time to sell”. After thinking about the hungry peasants in the surrounding villages, Lafayette disagreed and said, No, this is the time to give”.
For the Israelites in our text, it was time to give. The Lord commanded Moses to ask them to give towards the building of the tabernacle of the congregation. The items to be given were specified by God. All would be used towards the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the altars for incense and burnt offering, the candlesticks, curtains for the tabernacle and garments of the priests, etc. They were to give voluntarily, out of a willing heart. It was part of their duty and expression of their thanksgiving to God.
We must take note of the conditions and restrictions of this kind of giving. It was not to be done by non-Israelites. They were not forced or coerced to give; it was something they did willingly. And what was given was strictly used for the purpose – building a tabernacle.
God’s projects are meant to be executed by His people. He has blessed us with provisions and resources which we must make available to His projects and provide ‘meat’ in His house (Malachi 3:10). When we give willingly and sacrificially, the Lord rewards us abundantly.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He cannot be spent by God who is not willing to spend for God.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 21-24
