EXODUS 35
As God was contemplating the building of His holy temple, He gave this command to the Israelites: "From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be
mounted on the ephod and breastpiece." (vs 5-9)
Photo © Unsplash/Dewang Gupta
The thought for today is simple. God values willingness. He’s not into force or coercion. He is not interested in bossing us around. He is interested in having a relationship with us, a two-way street, something in which we are willing to participate.
The temple of a god on the earth was an important thing! It’s where the people would go to "communicate" with their deity. If there was anything for which God could have commanded the very best, it would have been the temple. Yet, He doesn’t demand an offering. He requests an offering from those who are willing.
Photo © Unsplash/Elijah Hail
God wants us. But He doesn’t want us kicking and screaming. Our willingness is important to Him!