Restrained

Exodus 36:3-7

They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, "The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do." So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, "Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.


This passage really hit me hard. What an awesome example of what a group of people can accomplish when they allow the Lord to stir up their hearts (Ex36:2)!

I mean, take a look: the Israelites gave of themselves so much that the had to be 'restrained'! They had given more than enough to accomplish what God was calling them to. What would this sort of sacrifice look like in modern Christianity? How do church leaders compel their communities to this point?

As a church staff member, I get a unique perspective on the needs of a community and on the people's willingness to provide. What is it about this passage that makes it personal for you?