THE word “willing” is used frequently in this passage. God does not coerce us to worship Him or to work for Him. It is obvious that these people came with hearts full to present their gifts to the Lord. They didn’t need any special collection or stewardship campaign to motivate them because the motivation was already there in the heart. It is noticeable too that their gift wasn’t brought for the tabernacle but to the Lord and that what people brought was the very best that they had.
Neither was it merely a question of contributing goods or money to the cause. These people gave themselves to the work. They brought their skills, both men and women. Too often today the Church is thought of by some men as being for the women and children.
Everything that was to be done in the preparation of the Tent of Meeting had been planned. God had given Moses detailed instructions and had chosen the men who were to head up the project. As well as being filled with the Spirit they were gifted teachers of their craft and so the work would be well done and the necessary skills would be passed on to others. It is vital for the continuation of the work that no one should think that they and only they have the right to do it.
All the skill came ultimately from the Lord. This was a huge undertaking for a nomadic people but God was behind it. Whatever we try to do in the
