66 in 1 series: A willing spirit

 

I am attempting to read through all 66 books of the Bible this year. Whenever I am challenged or encouraged by a particular word, verse, or passage, I will share it with you. Welcome to my “66 in 1” series…

 

 

“And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord…The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.”

~Exodus 35:21-22, 29 KJV, emphasis mine

 

My Bible reading plan kept me trucking through the book of Exodus with its burning bush and plagues of boils and frogs. In Exodus chapter 35, we find the Israelites faithfully following God’s instructions for building the tabernacle, His earthly dwelling place. What stands out to me in the verses above, is that those involved served with “willing spirits” and were “willing hearted.”

The Hebrew word for willing is “nadiv.” It means ready, voluntary, giving spontaneously, or liberally. It describes an inner motivation of glad obedience.

I love what “willing” means here in Hebrew. I want to be “nadiv” in my heart towards God. I desire to be ready to do whatever He calls me to do. I want to give my love, worship, and time liberally and generously to Him. I desire to be gladly obedient.

BUT…

I often fall short and so did the Israelites.

The earlier chapters in Exodus recount what happened as Moses led God’s people throughout the dessert. The Israelites were not wandering around with “willing hearts” on most days. Despite their grumblings, God continued to show mercy towards His people by parting the Red Sea for them, giving them water to drink, and by providing manna from Heaven for them to eat (Exodus chapters 14-16).

In Exodus chapter 20, God revealed the Law or the Ten Commandments. After 40 days, the Israelites forgot these new commandments (especially the “You shall have no other Gods before me or make for yourself a carved image and bow to it” parts of the Law). For some reason, they believed it profitable to build and worship a golden calf (Exodus chapter 32).

A golden calf?

Um yeah… this did not go over well with God. Moses interceded for his people again, and God chose to show compassion towards His children again.

Thank goodness God had a willing spirit then. Thank goodness His spirit is still “nadiv” towards us today.

 

 

For further reflection:

Is our spirit willing towards God? Are we gladly giving all that we have in order to build our lives into something pleasing to God? Is there a “golden calf” of pride, greed, envy, lust, or ___ that we worship in our heart that God will not tolerate?

Let’s ask God to show us if there is a “golden calf” in our heart. May He help us “willingly” build our lives into something beautiful and honoring to Him.

Father God, forgive us for thinking it would be wise to idolize our own golden calf. We ask You to burn it up, and restore us into a right relationship with You. Holy Spirit, make our spirit “nadiv.” Help us to give all that we are and possess to You with glad obedience- remembering that all we are and do is for Your glory. We praise You for displaying a willing spirit and endless compassion towards us. We love You and pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.