THE WILLING HEART
Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the Tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. (Exodus 35:21)
God wants us our hearts to be yielded to Him. He wants our hearts to respond to His impulses and to be guided towards His purposes.
Today’s passage describes the attitude of those who responded to God’s call for the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It must have been such a magnificent sight to see all the people coming out with their offerings of gold and silver and other items to support the building of the house of the Lord.
The remarkable feature of their action was who the people were and what they had gone through in life. A few months prior, all the people were slaves. They had lived a tough life and suffered so much deprivation. For centuries, their race had been enslaved and worked for meagre wages.
Hardship had become such an integral part of their lives that when the moment of freedom came, they couldn’t believe it. On the night of their deliverance, the Lord made oppressors repay them for all their lost wages. Overnight, everyone in Israel had so much gold, silver and precious fabrics.
After their deliverance, Moses told them about building a Tabernacle for the Lord. The items for the Tabernacle were the same items they had just inherited. Can you imagine that? Just when they thought they had some money, they had to give it to the Lord.
But instead of being selfish, the passage says their hearts were stirred. They were moved by a love for God and acted with a willing heart. They did not harden their hearts. Contrary to a natural response of self-preservation, they willingly gave to the Lord.
- A willing heart is a heart that is submitted to God’s sovereignty.
- A willing heart says ‘yes’ to the Lord.
- A willing heart is stirred by the presence of the Lord.
- A willing heart rejoices in pleasing the Lord.
May the Lord give us hearts that are willing and obedient.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have given me. Let your Spirit move my heart towards you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Scripture Reading: Exodus 35:20-29
