A Willing Heart

The best response to a command of the Lord is to respond with a “willing heart.” In Exodus 35:4-5 we read; “…This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying, Take ye from amongst you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; …” What the Lord commanded was what the people did with a willing heart.

As a parent, do you not desire for your children to respond to your instruction with a willing heart? If you lead a team at work; isn’t it a blessing when they follow through on your directions willingly? God wants us to know the blessing and benefits of a willing heart because He emphasizes it five times in Exodus 35, in verses 5, 21, 22, and 29. It seems to me that a willing heart is a generous heart. When they received the command to give they did so willingly.

God, through Moses, clearly communicated the supplies and skills needed to build the Tabernacle. After the people heard the list of items needed they went home (Exodus 35:20). I believe they went home to think about how they could give to the building project and to see what skills and resources they had to contribute to the Tabernacle.

I see at least six ways the people gave to the project of building the Tabernacle.

1. They gave OBEDIENTLY.

The Lord gave the command and they obeyed. The pathway of blessing is quite simple; do what the Lord commands! Four times we are reminded the people did what the Lord commanded (Exodus 35:1, 4, 10, and 29). The song is right; “Trust and OBEY, for there is NO OTHER way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and OBEY.”

2. They gave CORPORATELY

The “congregation of the children of Israel” responded to the Lord’s command. It is a blessing and an act of Worship to participate in the giving of our tithes and offerings each Sunday, as we gather together corporately to worship the Lord. What was good for Israel of old is still good for us today.

3. They gave WILLINGLY

We have already seen how this was emphasized five times in Exodus 35. I also love the fact that it is still emphasized today in the words of 2 Corinthians 9:7 where we read: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Do not give “grudgingly” but rather give willingly!

4. They gave SPECIFICALLY

God provided them with a detailed list of items needed for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:5-19). They gave what was needed to get the job done. 

5. They gave INDIVIDUALLY (vs. 22-27)

You can only give what you can give and I can only give what I can give. As we each give according to our ability, the needs are met and the project is accomplished. The Scripture is clear that the men gave, the women gave, and the rulers gave. Each individual was involved in the giving.

6. They gave ABUNDANTLY (36:3-5)

“The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make.” (36:5). I love that verse! In essence the foremen on the project came to Moses and said: “Hey Moses, man you got to talk to the people. We are swamped with all that they have been bringing. In fact, we have MORE than enough to get the job done. You need to tell them to stop with the offering.”

Wow, what an amazing reality. A willing heart is an abundant heart. I also believe the children of Israel knew that all that had was because of the Lord’s provision. They gave freely because they had received freely. Are we any different than them? What do you have that is not of God’s grace and goodness in your life? So why do you clinch it so tightly? Give abundantly you won’t be disappointed!

Follow God’s commands with a willing heart. I believe you will be surprised at the outcome.

Let’s willingly give our stuff and skills to the Lord.

Willing, Giving, and Living,

Pastor Mike