Exodus Chapter 12: Verse 36 (NLT)
The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!
Exodus Chapter 35: Verses 5-9
Take a sacred offering for the Lord. Let those with generous hearts present the following gifts to the Lord:
gold, silver, and bronze;
blue, purple, and scarlet thread;
fine linen and goat hair for cloth;
tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather;
acacia wood;
olive oil for the lamps;
spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;
onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece.
Before they left Egypt, God provided everything materially that the Israelites needed by causing the Egyptians to part with their wealth. He knew that such materials would be required in due course for the building and furnishing of the Tabernacle. So, when the time came, He asked the Israelites to provide all that was needed from the plunder they had taken. Yet God didn’t compel them to give, it was entirely voluntary.
God knows what we need and will make provision for us at the right time, and He also provides us with gifts and talents which He intends that we use for the good of others and for His glory, but He will never compel us to do so. He wants us to show our love and gratitude by giving willingly, and how can we not when He gave His own Son as a gift for us. Jesus didn’t have to come, He gave Himself willingly, so we should do the same with what God has gifted us.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your generous provision. Help me to be willing to give back and not keep things to myself. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.