The people of God who left Canaan
Exodus 38:21~31 The total amount of the gold from the wave offering used for all the work on the sanctuary was 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. The silver obtained from those of the community who were counted in the census was 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. (24~25)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #446 I Need Thee Every Hour (#500 in previous version)
When asked what is most difficult, problematic, and conflicting for them, people’s answers will vary. Andrew Carnegie claimed that 70% of people’s problems stemmed from finances. In truth, world wars are simply a battle of economies, and it is true that financial problems are the root of a lion’s share of individual problems. This is why Christians need to have a correct grasp of finances and a Gospel-centered outlook on offering. The Israelites faced economic hardships in Egypt after Exodus. But God commanded them to build the tabernacle, and the Israelites gave what was precious to them to the Lord. Why did they do this?
1. Experience the power of God.
The Israelites, who barely numbered 70 at the time of their entry into Egypt increased to millions over the course of 400 years of slavery. This amounted to a miracle, and was a great thorn in the Egyptian Pharaoh’s side. No one could lift a hand against the people of God. What ought to have been foremost for the Israelites was the experience of Exodus—that is, the experience of the power of God. We too must experience the parting of the Red Sea, God’s providence of the manna and the quail, and God’s guidance with the pillar of fire and cloud in our everyday lives today. Though it seemed as if the Israelites gave up everything that was precious to God and faced destitution, in fact, true prosperity and wealth awaited them. We must understand the distinct difference between the finances of true believers and the finances of unbelievers. There are separate hidden finances for evangelism.
2. Experience the power of the Gospel and evangelism.
God had the Israelites build the tabernacle by giving up their most precious things to Him. Everything in the tabernacle signified Christ. God explained the tabernacle for a long time, and directed each specific item within the tabernacle because He wanted the Israelites to experience Christ. If the prayer of enjoying Christ each and every moment remains within us, we can be within the complete guidance and protection of the Lord. Unless we experience the power of God as our answer, we cannot save the world. Therefore, our foremost priority is to experience Christ. Though the Jordan River and the walls of Jericho await us, experiencing answers in advance and foreseeing the future are all blessings within the tabernacle. Life and true blessings come from above (Colossians 3:1~3). We are people living not with the laws of the world, but by the laws of God. Those who know this will be granted financial restoration sufficient for world evangelization.
- Let us experience the power of God and Christ, restore the financial discipline for the sake of the Gospel, and become the main figures for financial conquest!
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2010.10.3