An offering to the LORD

https://odb.org/2026/03/16/lives-offered-to-god

Exodus 35:20-29 NIV UK 20 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, 21 and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. 22 All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewellery of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord. 23 Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or other durable leather brought them. 24 Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to the Lord, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it. 25 Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun – blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen. 26 And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. 27 The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 28 They also brought spices and olive oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. 29 All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.

It’s tempting to take credit for our resources and accomplishments, or use them to bring ourselves praise. What would it look like, instead, to think of them as a lowly “frame” around God’s masterpiece? One example is when Moses invited the Israelites to bring gifts to build the temple (Exodus 35:5). “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them” contributed what they had: precious metal and stone, linen, leather, wood, spices and oil (vv. 21-28). These costly goods were offered from willing hearts to fulfil what God had commanded (v. 29). Some master craftsmen were especially gifted. But everyone could contribute something, like the women who skilfully spun goat hair (v. 26). What mattered most then, and today, is the posture of the giver’s heart. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord” (v. 5). That’s when our resources are put to their best use. (Karen Pimpo, Our Daily Bread 16th March 2026)

The Kingdom of God as the universal church is so humongous that no single living person or human organisation may possibly carry it all alone, except our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. It is always a team effort. Even at the local church, the pastoral or leadership team or the church board is best to be a collection of individual talents and skills, rather than the senior pastor no matter how anointed or gifted he or she may be. Christ is the head of the church but the church comprises of many parts. Paul taught and often emphasises this point to convey the importance of the unity of the body.

Corollary to that, as individuals we could contribute whatever we have to the Kingdom of God for the good of the body, putting aside our self interests and personal agendas. A moment in ancient Israeli history was a good pivot to this fundamental spiritual principle.

The Israelites had just escaped the Egyptians after Moses freed them from slavery and had the Red Sea parted for the Israelites to pass only to have it closed on the pursuing Egyptians who were not too far behind in tandem.

They were then assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai after Moses had come down with the Ten Commandments and have been instructed by the LORD to build the tabernacle amd everyone chipped in with their respective contributions.

However, these contributions were distinguished by their costly nature and the free will willingness of those who gave. Although the Israelites left Egypt with gold and precious things Egyptians gave them, the Israelites did not hold back in giving some of those riches back to God. They were likely grateful to God for delivering them from slavery and at the same time, they were not greedy for material things. In the end, they spent 40 years in the wilderness depending on God for their sustenance with manna from heaven.

At whatever age and season of life we are, so long as we still have breath, we could contribute something to God. It could be baking cookies or cakes for the youths for their Saturday youth meetings or cooking up a storm of a meal for our house fellowship meeting this coming week. Or perhaps we could volunteer to drive someone to church? Or pay someone sick at the hospital? Or visit a senior citizen and bring him out for lunch? Or we could put our names to volunteer to play music or usher or clean up the church? Do something for God, whatever it might be. Start somewhere today, this week, not next year, not when we retire or when we are less busy.

May our lives and service be an offering to God like the children of Israel during the time of Moses in building the tabernacle! Amen!