Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 03, 2022: SOAP #4445: Exodus 35-36; Acts 10
SCRIPTURE: Exodus (NIV) 35:4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the LORD has commanded: 5 From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing. an offering of gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair, ram skins dyed and hides of sea cows, acacia wood, olive oil, onyx stones and other (list[EH1] from v 5-9). …
22 gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, ear-rings, rings and ornaments, blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins, or hides of sea cows, silver, bronze, acacia wood (list from v 22-24).
OBSERVATION: The Lord commanded the Israelites to bring an offering. Verses 5-9 give a list of what God commanded them to bring. Verses 22-24 added to that list. What caught my attention in this reading is the first four words in verse 5. The offering was to be given “FROM WHAT YOU HAVE.”
How could a nation of newly freed slaves have what God asked? In Exodus 12:35-36 we read that Moses had the Israelites ask the Egyptians for gold, silver, etc. and the Lord made the Egyptians favorable to give them anything for which they asked. As the Israelites left Egypt, they carried the wealth of Egypt with them! It was more than enough to build the tabernacle!!! They had to tell the Israelites to stop giving!
APPLICATION: As I read this passage, I had to smile. God is speaking to me about giving.
-I am to give from what I have. I am not to borrow to give, but give what is now in my possession. If the need is greater than what I can give, I only need to do my part. In giving my part I am trusting God with others that He will take care of the rest.
-I am to give from what I have taken in from the world in which I work. To be able to give was one of the main reasons God gave me the job of bus driving. God directed me to that job. He helped me pass the necessary test to gain the needed license. He has helped me pass the physical examinations I am required to take every year.
-I am to give as God directs. I should give according to His direction. There are many voices in the world calling for money. I must respond to His voice. God’s word is clear about tithing, but my offerings go elsewhere as He directs.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it is my joy to use what you give me to enable the ministries you direct me to support. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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