A matter of the Heart
Ex. 25:1-2
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering".
i think that in this chapter, the most important thing to note has nothing to do with the actual list of things God asks His people to offer Him, but how He tells Moses each offering must be given: willingly from the heart. as Christians, it's easy to simply go to church, read our Bibles, pray a little, and call it a day well spent with the LORD. however, that time is often wasted time, being that our hearts aren't even in it. This chapter reminds me of Cain's sacrifice versus Abel's. God would've gladly taken whatever Cain gave to Him, had it been given willingly with his heart. instead, since Cain's countenance had fallen, the LORD refused to even accept his offering. when we offer things to God, He doesn't audibally refuse them...and He shouldn't have to. we know where our hearts are at when we are spending that time with Him (or not). let us do a heart check and if we aren't feeling like spending that time with Him, let's ask God to help us get into the spirit...there is nothing wrong with crying out for strength, stillness, or ability to do what He calls us to do: lay it all down at His feet and enjoy His presence.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering".
i think that in this chapter, the most important thing to note has nothing to do with the actual list of things God asks His people to offer Him, but how He tells Moses each offering must be given: willingly from the heart. as Christians, it's easy to simply go to church, read our Bibles, pray a little, and call it a day well spent with the LORD. however, that time is often wasted time, being that our hearts aren't even in it. This chapter reminds me of Cain's sacrifice versus Abel's. God would've gladly taken whatever Cain gave to Him, had it been given willingly with his heart. instead, since Cain's countenance had fallen, the LORD refused to even accept his offering. when we offer things to God, He doesn't audibally refuse them...and He shouldn't have to. we know where our hearts are at when we are spending that time with Him (or not). let us do a heart check and if we aren't feeling like spending that time with Him, let's ask God to help us get into the spirit...there is nothing wrong with crying out for strength, stillness, or ability to do what He calls us to do: lay it all down at His feet and enjoy His presence.