USING YOUR RESOURCES
16th Mar 2016
When Israel left Egypt, after years of slavery and poverty, they were given gold, jewellery, beautiful cloth and valuable wood, so much so that it is recorded in Exodus 12:36 that, “they plundered the Egyptians.” They must have been thrilled with all their new found treasures.
After only a short time God told Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering from each man whose heart prompts him to give.” (Exodus 25:2) They were asked to give gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen, animal skins and acacia and olive wood, also gems stones.
What were they to do? After all the deprivation of the years in slavery, were they not entitled to some beautiful jewellery and fine clothes? They had a choice, they could keep their treasures and enjoy them personally, or they could give them to God. The reason they were needed was for the construction of the Tabernacle, the details and dimensions of which had just been given to Moses. They were free to do what they were willing to do, there was no compulsion.
By enjoying all these treasures for themselves they would look beautiful, and would personally enjoy these new found blessings. By giving them away, they were contributing to the place where God was going to come down and dwell in His Glory. The one was very limited, the other was of eternal significance.
I found this challenging, because I am free to use my resources in any way I choose, not just money, but time, love and care given to others. Am I investing my resources in God’s Kingdom, or am I just using them for myself? Am I spending my time on myself, or am I using that time to invest into the lives of others?
In Proverbs 11:24-25 it says, “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
