“In this way all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished; the Israelites had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its utensils, its hooks, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; the covering of tanned rams’ skins and the covering of fine leather, and the curtain for the screen; the ark of the covenant with its poles and the mercy seat; the table with all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; the pure lampstand with its lamps set on it and all its utensils, and the oil for the light; the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; the bronze altar, and its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand; the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; the finely worked vestments for ministering in the holy place, the sacred vestments for the priest Aaron, and the vestments of his sons to serve as priests. The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. When Moses saw that they had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded, he blessed them.” Genesis 39:32-43
Please read through this inventory of completed but as yet unassembled sections of the Tabernacle slowly, recognize the enormous amount of materials that is represented, realize that all this was donated through a goodwill offering as requested by God. Further, as we appreciate the all this remember the Israelites were given much of it by the Egyptians as they fled, remember that it was God that caused to happen. The gold (2200 lbs) the silver (7500 lbs) and the bronze (5300 lbs) and all the other components, acacia wood, fine linen, yarn, etc. etc. added much, much more to the tally, had all been carried into and through the desert by the Israelites. For how long did they carry all this stuff that had until this time no purpose for life wandering in a waste land? Please don’t take for granted the enormity of God’s grace in our lives, especially when we may, for a season, experience it as a burden, before it is put to use. Also recognize that when individuals respond generously by donating “their” stuff to a common cause and then in communion with God and each other put it all together awesome outcomes occur. O that I always recognize God’s blessings upon me, that I have eyes and ears to see and hear, a mind to understand and heart enough to respond as generously to God as He gives grace to me.