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?
Showing posts with label sacrifice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sacrifice. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Joy: What Will It Cost
Hebrews 12:1-4
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Who in this scripture, is receiving joy and what action does it motivate? The answer is Christ and sacrifice.
It was because of joy (or chara), the type of joy that Galatians 5 says will be evident in all Christians, that Christ suffered the cross.
The type of joy that we, as Christians, should possess is a joy so extreme, a joy so selfless, that until we have given our lives for the cause of Christ, we still have plenty to give.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Who in this scripture, is receiving joy and what action does it motivate? The answer is Christ and sacrifice.
It was because of joy (or chara), the type of joy that Galatians 5 says will be evident in all Christians, that Christ suffered the cross.
The type of joy that we, as Christians, should possess is a joy so extreme, a joy so selfless, that until we have given our lives for the cause of Christ, we still have plenty to give.
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