Summary
Exodus 35 begins with Moses gathering the Israelites and reminding them about the Sabbath. For six days they could work, but the seventh day was to be holy—a day of rest dedicated to the Lord.
Then Moses tells the people about the offering needed to build the Tabernacle. But there is something important about this offering: God did not force anyone to give.
The people were invited to bring an offering if their hearts were willing.
They brought gold, silver, bronze, fabrics, animal skins, wood, oil, spices, gemstones, and other materials needed for the Tabernacle.
People also offered something besides possessions: their gifts and abilities.
Skilled men and women helped spin fabric, create designs, build furnishings, and prepare everything God had commanded.
God specifically chose Bezalel and filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill in craftsmanship. Oholiab was also gifted to help and teach others.
Exodus 35 reminds us that worship is not only about what happens inside a church. We worship God through our time, resources, talents, obedience, generosity, and willingness to serve.
Observations
1. God Wants a Willing Heart
2. Your Talents Can Be Used for God
3. God Gives Us What We Need to Do What He Calls Us to Do
Life Application
Exodus 35 challenges us to ask:
What has God already placed in my hands that I can use for Him?
Sometimes we focus so much on what we do not have that we overlook what God has already given us.
You may not have everything someone else has.
You may not have their platform.
Their resources.
Their talents.
Their opportunities.
But you have something.
God can use your time.
Your story.
Your kindness.
Your creativity.
Your home.
Your business.
Your words.
Your experiences.
Your resources.
Your gifts.
The question is not whether you have something valuable enough for God.
The question is whether you are willing to give Him what you have.
Questions
- Am I serving God willingly, or have some things started to feel like obligations?
- What talents or abilities has God given me that I could use to help others or glorify Him?
- Is there something God has placed on my heart to give, start, create, or do that I have been holding back from?
Memory Verse — Exodus 35:21 NIV
“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord.”
Encouragement
You do not have to be the most talented person in the room for God to use you.
You simply need a willing heart.
God can take the gifts, resources, experiences, and abilities you already have and use them in ways you may never expect.
Maybe you feel like what you have is small.
Give it to God anyway.
Maybe you feel unqualified.
Trust Him to teach you.
Maybe you feel like someone else could do it better.
Remember that God did not ask everyone in Israel to contribute the exact same thing.
Each person brought what they had.
Your part matters too.
Father,
Thank You for every gift, talent, opportunity, and resource You have placed in my life.
Help me recognize that everything I have ultimately comes from You.
Give me a willing heart that desires to serve You, not because I feel pressured, but because I love You.
Show me how I can use my gifts to bless others and bring glory to Your name.
When I feel unqualified, remind me that You are able to equip me for whatever You call me to do.
Help me stop comparing my gifts to someone else’s and instead faithfully use what You have placed in my hands.
May my time, talents, resources, and life become an offering to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read It Yourself
Take a few minutes today to read Exodus 35 for yourself.
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