More Than Enough
Opening Prayer
Loving, giving God, give me more of Yourself, more of Your wisdom, more of Your love to share with others.
Read EXODUS 35:30-36:7
[30] Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, [31] and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- [32] to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, [33] to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. [34] And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. [35] He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers-all of them master craftsmen and designers. [1] So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.” [2] Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. [3] They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. [4] So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work [5] and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” [6] Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, [7] because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How were these craftsmen equipped for their duties?Do you sometimes feel there isn’t enough—money, resources, skills, people—to carry out God’s work? Well, here’s a story to remember! The Israelites had to be told to stop bringing their gifts, because there was already “more than enough” (7) for the construction of the tabernacle.
We’ve already met Bezalel and Oholiab. Here we see the extent of the teamwork. It starts with the words of God and obedience to them (1,5); it’s dependent on the Spirit of God giving skills and ability (31). Everyone gets involved: men, women, craftsmen and artists. Generosity is infectious.
However, the making of the tabernacle was also dependent on individual decisions and individual willingness to respond to the Lord’s command. I wonder if those whose hearts weren’t “willing to come” (2) understood that they had excluded themselves from this welcoming of God into their lives. How much do the Lord’s word, work and will matter to us? Responding with obedience, hard work and generosity will bring his blessing. Resources for the task? He’s given us more than enough!
Apply
What challenging task has God given you or your local church? Has God stirred your heart to do your part?
Closing prayer
Generous Lord, You’ve given me so much. Give me a generous spirit to carry out any tasks You assign me.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.