Re: Verse reading–Exodus 35:4-10; 20-35; 36:2-7 (day one)
“The people are bringing MORE THAN ENOUGH for doing the work the Lord has commanded. . .and so they were restrained from bringing more.”–36:5-6. Followers of Christ are often marked by extravagance, a reckless generosity that answers need with enthusiasm and call with over-the-top willingness. Real faith is not stingy. Our gospel is generous. Many examples of it in Scripture. Mary in John 12. She POURS perfume on Christ and is criticized for being extravagant. By everyone but Christ. He knew. True love doesn’t pinch pennies. Another example is the people of Israel in the collection for the tabernacle. They overgive! (is that a word? If it isn’t, it should be). They respond with such generosity that they have to be restrained. Hmmmm. . . too many teachers for Bible study, too many dollars for the projects we feel led to accomplish, too many ideas/ volunteers for reaching people. True mark of faith, ours is a generous gospel.
