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“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

The Bold Faith initiative presents a wonderful opportunity to look at what the people gave to the Tabernacle and the Temple, which is part of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Obviously, this is in addition to the focus on our prayerful decisions about evangelism in Hong Kong.

My aim here is for you to reflect on key “building” events in the development of our faith with a roadmap through Scripture. Unfortunately, there is not enough space to repeat the stories in their entirety here.

First, let’s return to Moses’ time and look at Exodus from chapter 35 to 40.  Here the Lord directed the construction of the Tabernacle. I hope, as you read, you enjoy the beauty of the language and intricacy of the descriptions while observing the generous hearts of the people. Let me share Exodus 35:29: “All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.” Continuing with Exodus 36:3, “… And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.’”

Wow, what a great outpouring of generosity! Praise the Lord that we might witness that kind of outpouring in Hong Kong.

The next story I think you will enjoy is the building of the Temple. This is found in 1 Chronicles starting in chapter 29, where King David announces that God had chosen Solomon to direct the project. After David’s prayer, which I encourage you to read, verses 14 to 17 say “But who am I, and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all belongs to you. … And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”

I hope you will be as touched as I have been by these stories of great faith and the joy of giving. The Message in 1 Chronicles 29:18 reads “… keep this generous spirit alive forever in these people always, keep their hearts set firmly in you.”

Let us be generous by:

• Thanking God for being the source of everything you possess and giving you the freedom to connect with Him.
• Asking God to help you understand what generosity means and looks like in your life now.