The next post is from a 5 part devotional series I shared with our Kingdom Builder's team at church (before we transitioned it more to a community). It's pulling and tracing the thread found in the story of Israel and the exodus. While I've been posting these, I've been pulling at a thread that kept coming up as I've been reading the bible this past year and will hopefully be able to make a thread of posts (yes I said thread again) after this 5 part series.
And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, (4) so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, (5) and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” (6) So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, (7) for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.
Exodus 36:3–7
And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, (4) so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, (5) and said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.” (6) So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, (7) for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.
Exodus 36:3–7
How amazing is that? People were so generous they actually had to be told to stop giving towards this great project - they had more than enough already to make everything that needed to be made! As we finish this devotional series following the miraculous provision of God to Israel in the Exodus story, I want to encourage you in many ways how there was more than enough.
First, there was more than enough people willing to give. People didn’t just give one day when the announcement was given, but day after day different people continued to be moved and give. We shouldn’t be disappointed by how many people give initially if it isn’t what we were hoping for, continue praying that more people will be moved by God to be generous and give.
Second, there was more than enough desire to give. In the end people had to be restrained from giving. Sometimes people restrain themselves because they think that what they have isn’t good enough or wouldn’t make a difference. Let’s encourage people with a desire that they have a part to play, their contribution is meaningful.
Third, there was more than enough for the work to be done. We shouldn’t think God won’t give us enough to do what He has called us to do, there will always be more than enough by His provision.
Last, this means there was also more than enough for the people’s personal lives. God won’t leave you high and dry, God makes sure that you have what you need to be blessed in your life even after generously using what you have for His purpose. God doesn’t squeeze us dry and move along, one of the blessings of God is that we get to enjoy what He’s given us, and also enjoy what we did together for His purpose. How good is that?
Let’s be encouraged that there is more than enough with God, and encourage others in this same truth. Let’s be Kingdom Builders that expand God’s kingdom not just by ourselves, but also by encouraging others to join the work of the kingdom. Not manipulatively, not with hidden agendas, but because we know that there is more than enough and that as people join this work they will be blessed too!