A GENEROUS HEART
06th Mar 2013
The Children of Israel left Egypt laden with silver, gold and clothing; they had what they asked for from a people who had been overwhelmed by plagues and death, as God had punished Pharaoh's hardness of heart. Exodus 12:36 says, “Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”
Now they are free, living in the desert and have just been given all the instructions about building the Tabernacle, where God will come down and meet with them and guide them towards the promised land.
Moses now asks the people to provide the raw materials for the building of the Tabernacle. As I read Exodus 35 in the English Standard Version, I was struck by the way in which Moses asked them to make their gifts. “Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, bronze, cloth etc. etc.” (verse 5)
There was no coercion, no strident demands, no pressure - the people gave from their hearts. God is not a demanding God, we are not living by law, but under grace. So as we live in relation to God’s work and His people, what is the condition of our heart?
The chapter continues to describe the way the people gave - “everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him” “All who were of a willing heart...every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord.” “All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill...”
I find this challenging. Do I have a generous heart? Do I give to others because my heart is stirred? Am I a person who has a willing spirit? Do I bring my tithes and offerings to the Lord with joy and cheerfulness? Or is it a duty? Do I reach out to others, to help, encourage and strengthen, because that is what I ought to do? Or because my heart is stirred?
Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
