“Take up an offering among you for the Lord. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring this as the Lord’s offering….” (v. 5)

Yes, God’s people are meant to give.

And, yes, their gifts are intended for the narrow, specific channel of religious offerings—not exclusively, but foundationally.

Why would the Holy God, whose authority and ownership are supreme, ask that from His people?

Because giving reveals our hearts.

Is your heart willing to obey? Is your heart willing to respond to Him with a costly and a generous release? Does your heart count right worship and righteous offerings as worth it?

Is your heart willing?

God doesn’t ask this from anyone and everyone—only from those who are His, who are with Him, who worship. He’s not at all embarrassed to ask, and He’s not at all ashamed of channeling it toward the house and the work of worship. But it is still a request, an invitation…

…and it’s our hearts that answer when our hands get giving.

— Tyler