Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 30, 2022: SOAP #4441:  Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 25:2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.

OBSERVATION:  God was not asking the Israelites for an offering; He was telling them to bring an offering.  They were to bring the offering “to him; and Moses was to receive the offering “for him!”  In reading further, we see that God was not only telling them to bring an offering, He was telling them what to bring!   Which was totally proper for God to do.  He had instructed the Israelites before they left Egypt to go into the homes of the Egyptians and ask for certain things.  The Egyptians were so glad to see the Israelites leave, that they willingly gave them what they asked!  (Exodus 12:35-36).  Now God was telling the Israelites to willing give what they had received. 

God would instruct them to take what was received in the offering and make the tabernacle for God’s presence in the center of the camp.  It would be their identifying trademark for forty years in the wilderness.  It would be the center of their nation in the Promised Land. 

APPLICATION:  The Israelites carried out of Egypt the things that would be needed for the tabernacle.  When those things were needed, they were readily available.  This was God’s plan, and God had made provision; He always does.  The people needed a willing heart and to see that they were a part of God’s plan!  The tabernacle was not Moses’ plan, but God’s plan. 

IN THE SAME WAY, I need to have a willing heart to release what I have been carrying.  I need to see my possessions as belonging to the Lord.  He has provided them for me to keep until they are needed for His glory!  Some of the finances I receive from my work, I carry for Him.  It will be my responsibility to place them as He directs.  It is my joy to be a part of God’s plan. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, If it is my plan, it is my bill.  It is my heavy load to raise the finances needed.  Oh, but when it is Your plan!  You carry the load.  You move in people’s heart to make them willing to give.  I can share Your vision; I can rest in You.  I can trust You!   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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