Extraordinary Demand

God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to bring offerings—freewill offerings as loyal subjects to their King—Him, the God they vowed to follow and serve: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, ‘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 25:1–2). Whether to bring an offering was a personal choice, but the gift itself was not. God was specific in what He wanted, offerings for a moveable tabernacle, its contents, and the priests’ attire—He wanted a place where His presence might dwell among them (vs. 3–8). Where would people who lived as slaves for four hundred years come by these costly gifts? From the spoils of the Egyptians as they left Egypt (12:31–36). Every morning, God’s people brought their offerings to Moses until the artisans informed him that they had more than needed to complete the work. Moses had to tell the people to stop bringing offerings!

God doesn’t need our tithes and offerings; He owns everything, including our finances. But our giving honors Him, blesses others, and helps us as well (2 Corinthians 9:6b; Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:10). If we supported our local places of worship and other organizations that help people, there would never be a lack when needs arise. But sadly, not all God’s people contribute to the work of the Lord’s service. Does God require too much: one dollar for every ten? What if God calculated your monthly income based on your “ten percent” given?

Are you doing your part? It’s unlikely we’ll ever hear to stop giving because our contributions have surpassed the Lord’s work needs. If you plant a few seeds, you reap a small crop, but when you plant generously, you reap bountifully. The Creator of everything isn’t impressed with what we give but with the motive behind it. God loves a cheerful giver, one who gives from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).