Double Blessing

Saturday 2-4-17, Modesto, California

Today we read Exod 37 – 38, Psalm 19 and Acts 11

S = Scripture  O = Observation  A = Application  P = Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S. Ex 38:8 The bronze washbasin and its bronze pedestal were cast from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle. NLT

O. When Moses asked for voluntary offerings of gold, brass, yarn and all the many other materials to be used in the tabernacle and its artifacts, men and women came bringing items of value that they had carried with them from Egypt and donated them. These women did not have glass mirrors. They had mirrors of highly polished brass. It would be something that a woman might use every day. Can you imagine women voluntarily bringing their only mirror to have it melted down to be made into a sacred wash basin and its stand? 

A. There was a group of women that served at the entrance of the tent of meeting. They were made aware of the need and together choose to give away their mirrors for this project. I think I have met these women. There are some in almost every church. In the early hours before church they are cleaning the pews or vacuuming the carpet and checking the bathrooms. And these are the same women that are quick to respond and sacrifice their belongings when there is a need. 

The women of our Northern California Nevada District maintain and wonderful boutique where our missionaries can shop for free before leaving for their mission destination.  We have stocked up with everything we needed many times… even a box full of tools for us men.

P. Lord, was it a big deal for these women to donate their mirrors?  It must have been because they are mentioned for us all to honor and emulate them.  When have I ever sacrificed anything as useful as my only mirror for Your work? Teach me to be a generous, joyful giver. You said something like, “Giving is more fun than receiving.”  We missionaries are often on the receiving end while in our homeland, but what joy as we sacrifice to give to others when we see the need surrounding us!  We get the double blessing of both gift and givers.  Amen.

Ralph