5 September Exodus 36

Give your time, talent, and treasure to God.

Exodus 36:3-4 (NIV) “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. So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing”. After hearing Moses’ call for the people to give, there was an outpouring of offerings and labourers who responded to God’s call in their hearts.

Moses called for skilled labourers to serve, and they responded. Exodus 36:2 (NIV) “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”. God has called us to build his kingdom. If we are trustworthy in the small things, he will trust us with greater things as confirmed by:

Matthew 25:29-30 (NIV) For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Every person’s gift is needed in the body of Christ because no one person has them all.

Like those who gave while building the Tabernacle, the early church generously supported others whenever needed. Acts 4:32-35 (AMP) “Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one [of them] claimed that anything belonging to him was [exclusively] his own, but everything was common property and for the use of all. And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favour and goodwill] rested richly upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them, and bringing the proceeds of the sales and placing the money down at the apostles’ feet. Then it was distributed to each as anyone had need”.

Therefore, gratefully give from the things God has given you as confirmed in the following verses:

2 Corinthians 9:6 (AMP) “Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]”.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (AMP) “And God is able to make all grace [every favour and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity”.

Lastly we are called to a be living sacrifice to God. Romans 12:1 (AMP) “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship”.

In conclusion, the call to give our time, talent, and treasure to God is a profound invitation to participate in His work. Just as the Israelites responded to Moses' call with an overwhelming outpouring of offerings and skilled labour, so too are we called to dedicate our resources—material, intellectual, or spiritual, to the building of God’s kingdom.

Every gift we possess is intended to serve others and build up Christ's body. No single person has all the gifts, but together, as a community, we reflect the fullness of Christ's work in the world. Just as the early church shared everything, they had to ensure no one was in need, we are called to give generously and with gratitude, knowing that God will supply all our needs in abundance.

Finally, our giving should be rooted in the ultimate act of worship—offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God. In response to His mercies, this dedication of our entire being is the true expression of worship that pleases God. Therefore, let us commit to using all that we have and are in service to Him, knowing that our faithful stewardship will bear fruit for His glory and the good of others.