A WILLING HEART
“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive the offering for Me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.”
Exodus 25:2 (NIV)
When God called His people into covenant, He didn’t demand a tax. He invited an offering. The tabernacle, the sacred meeting place between God and His people, was not built from coercion or force. It was formed from the hands and hearts of those willing to contribute.
This wasn’t a grab for leftovers. The offerings God requested were items of incredible value: gold, silver, fine linen, precious stones, and rare oils—things that represented wealth, beauty and status. God wasn’t asking for scraps; He was asking for sacrifice. Remember, these were a people with a history of being enslaved. So, this sacrifice might not have come from a place of abundance with lots of extras in their closets…in the wilderness.
But the beauty is this: it only came from the willing. Not everyone gave, but those who did gave because they wanted to be part of something holy. They saw the cost of covenant and chose to fulfill it.
In our world, giving is often transactional. We give when we’re thanked, noticed or promised a return. But covenant love flips that. It invites us to give because we belong, not so that we belong.
We’re still called to bring offerings today. Our offerings are not of fabric and gold, but of time, attention, treasure and trust. And it’s still costly. Giving forgiveness when we’d rather hold a grudge. Serving someone who won’t say thank you. Choosing honesty when hiding would be easier. Giving the tithe when money is tight. These are modern-day offerings of covenant love.
And just like the tabernacle, God still builds sacred spaces from the offerings of His people—not tents in the wilderness, but moments, relationships and communities where His presence dwells.
APPLICATION: What are you holding that God might be asking you to offer? Offer it today with trust, knowing it becomes part of something sacred, and it’s given to someone who has already given to you.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You never force love. But You invite it. Thank You for letting me be part of what You’re building. Help me give with a willing heart, even when it’s costly, knowing that covenant love always comes with sacrifice. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?