Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.
Exodus 35:20-22 (NIV)
LORD, it is not lost on me this morning that the context of this passage are Your words to Moses and the people in Exodus 33:5:
“Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’”
The sobering reality that I can adorn myself with godless things, worshipping that which is not You, and in doing so become distant from You is disheartening enough. But the hard fact that nearness to You without transformation is fatal drives home my soul’s need for continual, constant change. How many times have I held on to the things of this world believing that they give life? And when I am convicted of this idolatry take them and merely tuck them into my satchel and sit on them like Rachel (Genesis 31:34)?
I am so moved by the power of these verses against the context of this passage. Moses, in Genesis 33 has petitioned on behalf of Israel, mediated between them and You, even going so far as to sacrifice his future for theirs. And from this we see a change in the hearts of the Israelites, with them sacrificing to You what they had previously held for themselves.
My soul rejoices this morning, first for Your patience with me. When I go into full idolatry mode You firmly shake me up, reminding me of the cost for that wickedness, and leave me to think about it. But You don’t leave it there. You sent my Savior to not only pay the price for my rebellion, but also to shine His radiant light upon me, speaking peace to my heart through Your Word, and reminding me of Your love for me and Your calling on my life, and graciously showing me the way I should go. From there repentance springs forth, my heart tenderized by Your love and compassion, and I return to You. And it is this relationship journey that my soul walks in, and causes me to surrender all I have to You.
So, please today accept my offerings of praise, sacrifice of my 3-T’s (time, talent, and treasure), and life. Show me where You are calling me to lean in. Continue to reveal to me the “golden calves” in my life that they might be utterly destroyed. Expose all that I have given to this world that I might present it instead to You for use in Your kingdom as You see fit. All that I am and all that I hope to be is fully committed to You. Thank You for Your love towards me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.