Title: Seven Principles of Devotion
Exodus (104) 7 principles of devotion (Ex 35:1-19)
< The first stage of preparation for the construction of the tabernacle >
After descending from Mount Sinai, Moses first emphasized the importance of the Sabbath (verses 1-3), and then began the preparation process for the construction of the tabernacle, a visible sanctuary to meet God in earnest. And as the first process of preparation, the scene where Moses exhorts the people to offer offerings and dedicate themselves is shown in the text.
1. Advice on offerings (vv. 5-9)
Look at verse 5 of the text. “From among your possessions you shall choose what you give to the Lord, but whoever has a heart, let him bring it to the Lord: gold and silver and bronze. This verse challenges four important principles when making material commitments.
First, it is to give from what you have. First of all, believers need a sense of stewardship that what they have is entrusted with God's for a while. Therefore, we must have the attitude to give up our possessions whenever God wants us to. However, you should not give by scratching the card or paying debt just because you are impressed.
Second, it is a matter of choosing and giving. When giving, do not give the leftovers, but choose and give them separately. For example, if you spend sparingly and have leftovers, do not give tithes, mission offerings, or thanksgiving offerings. First, separate tithes, mission offerings, and thanksgiving offerings and use them sparingly.
Third, it is voluntary. The idea is not to force a revival meeting to open a revival meeting as if an operation owner intervenes and raise the stock price and give it as if it were robbed. No matter how good it is, if you force it to walk or force it, it is better not to pay it. This is because, basically, what God, the Lord of all things, wants is the heart, not material things.
Fourth, be specific. It is important to pray, and it is important to support us with our hearts, but it is also important to let that heart manifest through concrete acts of dreaming. In fact, where the mind is, there is the matter, and on the contrary, where the matter is, there is the mind. So Moses mentions the specific materials required for the construction of the tabernacle in detail up to verse 9 in the text.
2. Commitment to commitment (vv. 10-19)
Look at verse 10 of the text. “Everyone among you who is wise in heart will come and make all that the LORD has commanded.” This verse challenges three important principles related to physical commitment.
First, you must commit yourself wisely. Some people are dedicated, but lack wisdom and lack a sense of balance, making it difficult for leaders and hurting colleagues. Therefore, a wise commitment without side effects or aftereffects is required.
Second, we must work together and commit ourselves. Supporting us from afar is important and giving money is important, but if we can do it, it becomes even more meaningful when we commit ourselves together physically. So Jesus became incarnate. Such an attitude of incarnation is necessary.
Third, we must be obedient and devoted. If you don't devote yourself according to God's will and devote yourself according to your own will, you will end up with more difficulties. Obedience is better than sacrifice, and to listen is better than the fat of rams. Commitment without obedience is significantly less valuable. After recommending such devotion, verses 11-19 mention in detail what to make with devotion. Devotion prepares for tomorrow's reward and is the most precious foundation for the time of the soul.
One day, a church in Seoul started construction. It was difficult in the process, so after 600 members, only 6 were left. The six men completed the church with their dedication to selling their house. In the end, the church was also greatly blessed, and those six people were also greatly blessed later. If you devote yourself to God, God will give you more. Always think about what you can do with gratitude for the grace you have received. The Bible challenges us to be faithful to death. In such a situation, feel sorry for being alive and be blessed souls dedicated to a more holy vision.