Bring it!

Ark of the Covenant.

Atonement cover.

Curtain.

Table.

Bread of the Presence.

Lampstands and Lamps.

Altar of Incense.

Anointing Oil.

Altar of Burnt Offering.

Basin.

Phew! Five chapters in Exodus, 36-40, ending the book of Exodus. Such detail in all that went into the building of the holy tabernacle. In this place of wandering. Just the time it took to weave cloth in Moses' time was daunting. Having more than one set of clothing was an indication of wealth. So, just imagine the amount of time, energy, talent and commitment it would take to produce just the curtains! Imagine the embroiderers!

So, what really gets me today is the way, through all the moaning, whining, complaining and really dumb actions after leaving the "comforts" of Egypt behind how the following passage conveys that EVERYONE brought all they had to this holy project:

'The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.' 

Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: '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.

Exodus 36: 4-7

So, here's my question: When was the last time you had to be restrained from bringing more than enough to your job, your marriage, your children, your friendships, your presence in another person's life or taking time to be with God? 

I love those people who tell you they are committed to...whatever. Baloney, I say! Oops, to tough? Well, seems to me that being "all in" or "bringing it all" or "all together" sounds more like what 11 misfits brought to the table of life. Some gave all.

I so admire the pastor of my faraway church home in Nashville, The Village Chapel. He who has a different approach to that nasty, sticky, guilt laden tradition of tithing. He says something like this: Here at the Village Chapel we do not do the basket passing thing.  We are all about joyful giving from a joyful heart. On the front table over there, there is a plastic container [NOTE: *the basket is tiny, blue plastic, crate-like with a small piece of paper reading "Gifts"] for when and if your heart moves you. 

I have given, and continue to give more to this church with a smile on my face (and smiley face on the bottom of my checks) than any other church I have attended. I am a citizen. I am all in.

I will not be restrained.

Think about it. 

All in.

(b)