Reading: Exodus 36:7 – 38

Scripture

They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 38:8 (NIV)

Observations

In the time the Tent of Meeting was being made, mirrors were commonly made from either polished bronze or polished copper. One side of the round metal mirror would be polished bright to give a reflection, and the other side decorated with ornate designs. It seems that despite all the offerings made by the people of Israel for the Tent of Meeting, when it came time to make the wash basin and its stand, there was no bronze available.

It was time to have a quick offering, and the women who were the “servants in the house” provided what was needed. Mirrors were no doubt a valuable commodity for these women, and were perhaps not easily replaced. The call for bronze could have been put out to the wider community, but those close to the need were the ones who provided.

Application

Those closest to a need will in most cases be the best ones to provide help. Whether it be practical help, emotional support, or the provision of money or resources, I need to be ready and willing to give. I can't expect everyone to help, nor should I begrudge having to be the one who provides. There will always be more need than can be met, but I have the unique opportunity to help those in the place God has planted me. If we all did that, what a wonderful place the world could be.

Prayer

Thank you Lord God that you loved the world so much that you gave your only Son. Help me now to love the world you have placed me in. Help me to hold loosely to my “valuables”, and instead to be generous with my time and my resources in meeting the needs around me.