“Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came…” Exodus 35:21
For the 2nd time, God has called Moses to the top of the Mountain to meet with Him. Both times he would spend 40 days and 40 nights, with neither food nor water. This time, God has revealed His Glory to Moses, and as he comes down from the Mountain, does not realize his face was shining and must wear a veil to conceal it. Which brings us to Chapter 35 where we’re told, “Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel” and made known to them the plans for the Tabernacle. They were to take up a collection of the Items they would need. It would vary from Gold, Silver, and Bronze, to Goats Hair, Rams Skins, and Wood.
And how did the People respond? That is where Today’s Verse comes in: “Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came…” They were not Forced; they were not Commanded; they came freely and willingly. This description of their Willingness is also repeated several times in the next couple of chapters. What’s Amazing about this request is that God allowed “His People” to be involved. You see, He had already provided the Materials for the Tabernacle earlier by the Egyptians. They “gave” these things to the Jews. He could have provided ALL that He needed through them by having them give directly to Moses. But He didn’t. He chose to use them. He “allowed” them to participate.
I bet you already know where I’m going with this. Our Giving! Think about it. God “owns” everything. Every Dollar, every Coin, every piece of Gold and Silver. People may think they “own” it, but if God wants it, He can get it! But He doesn’t; He chooses to involve us. He gives us Knowledge and Skill. He “allows” us to land our jobs, “keep” our jobs, and then make some money. He then “allows” us to give back a portion to Him. He could have bypassed us, but He didn’t! He allowed us to participate. Is this how you see your Giving, or do you give under a sense of “compulsion”? Remember, it is God that gives you All Things to begin with! May we too have our “hearts stirred”, and our “spirits moved”, as we seek to give back to Him!!!