Moses sent a unique order throughout the massive camp of the Israelites: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

Paul wrote a note of thanks to a group of his benefactors: I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.

I swim in a world of non-profit resource acquisition. My wife and I raise funds for our work, and I speak at dinners raising funds for local campus ministries. I enjoy sharing the vision of reaching out to college students and professors and engaging others in this work though giving.

I tend to dwell on how much more we need to do the work, and how much more we need to continue the work. But when I pause and reflect, I realize that I am amply supplied. The Lord’s goodness extends to me through the gracious giving of committed, faith-filled donors. Which encourages me to remain a committed donor to those places where I give my money.

These biblical snapshots of generosity motivate me. When believers work together, pooling their resources, great works can result. In the first instance, a beautiful sanctuary centered the nation’s worship on the one true God. In the second, small bands of missionaries introduced others to that one true God.

Venues for worship and missions to the unreached. Causes still worthy of our generosity—powerful enterprises to supply in ample ways.

Exodus 36 & Philippians 4 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by pina messina